Bottling AIPA

[LukoBirdo]

Hi all,

I'm brewing my first batch of AIPA from Mangrove Jacks. I have a pressure barrel but have read on here it's better for the carbonation to bottle it. I've bought a fair few swing top bottles from a wholesaler but I'm not sure when they will come.

I'm due to dry hop my brew from Monday and depending on final gravity after 2 additional days siphon into bottles but I doubt the beer bottles will come in time.

My question is can I leave the brew in the barrel a few extra days until the bottles come or is there another solution? Or just leave in the barrel and use the bottles for another one?

Thanks,

Luke

 

[kelper]

Nothing wrong with using a PB. But, yes, you can transfer some to bottles later. If you prime the PB don't prime the bottles, in case they explode. I prefer a PB but I often transfer some to bottle for giveaways, this can be weeks later. I just fill the bottles until some foam overflows, then I know all air has been excluded.

 

[LukoBirdo]

I've bought some carbonation drops. Its a 23litre brew. Is there a way to work out how many you need? Can I prime the PB with the drops and then top up a bit of sugar in the bottles if I need to?

 

[RGeats]

Are you brewing in the barrel? Or in a plastic bucket? When did you start the brew?

You can easily keep it in the fermenter for 3 weeks plus, just wait a bit longer for your bottles to turn up, then dry hop when they arrive.

In terms of carbonation, there are plenty of calculators online. Just look up how many grams you need for the whole batch, then weigh out the carb drops.

I'd be careful adding extra into the bottles, as you don't know the starting point.

 

[terrym]

There's no reason why you can't put an AIPA into a PB. However PBs are only really suitable for lower carb beers like ales and stouts due to their pressure limits. And if you try up the pressure in a PB you end up dispensing foam or the rubber band RV (if its working) will vent. So I suggest you keep your PB for something else and put the AIPA into bottles.
Calculator here
https://www.brewersfriend.com/beer-priming-calculator/I dont use carb drops. Waste of money. Table sugar is fine.

 

[LukoBirdo]

Are you brewing in the barrel? Or in a plastic bucket? When did you start the brew?

You can easily keep it in the fermenter for 3 weeks plus, just wait a bit longer for your bottles to turn up, then dry hop when they arrive.

In terms of carbonation, there are plenty of calculators online. Just look up how many grams you need for the whole batch, then weigh out the carb drops.

I'd be careful adding extra into the bottles, as you don't know the starting point.

I started the brew on Monday (four days ago). I'm brewing in a bucket then planning on siphoning into bottles/PB. If I keep in the bucket for a bit longer do I just leave in similar temp conditions? I'm brewing in a shed with a heat matt and foam coat at night.

 

[RGeats]

Yes just leave it around 20 and it'll be fine for a few weeks. In fact you should leave it at least 2 weeks before bottling or kegging. Even if the instructions say 1 week. Just ignore them. And dry hopping should be just a few days before you syphon into whatever you choose.

 

[LukoBirdo]

Thank you all that's really helpful. Hoping this one will turn out well!