Hi brewers,
I have recently started experimental turbo ciders and wines, and thought I would share my method:
Using an old 2 Litre glass demijohn (ex old rosie cider demijohn), and a custom bung, I have created what I call a microbrew which I am using for experimental brewing. (in case others wanted to do the same).
And for those who think, why arent you using a full size demijohn, well for multiple reasons, and you could use them if you want, but 1) I had some empty lying around (and Im a big scrimper, not having to pay for stuff if i dont have to!) and secondly if the experimental brew turns out rubbish, its only 2 litres wasted (saves on pocket and that sad feeling you get when a brew goes wrong!)
The main problem I came across was the width of the neck....
No bungs I had would fit, so I fished out something I have called Polymorph* which I used to mould my own bung (put a few tablespoons in a mug with just boiled water and wait until it is transparent and remove, dry and mould to desired shape).
This method could also be used for plastic bottles or other containers which you want to use but dont fit a normal bung. I also seal all touching parts with Vaseline, because unlike rubbery bungs, it is hard.
*polymorph is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer which has a low melting point of 62oC (Polycaprolactone, FDA safe for medical use, so therefore also food use). It is readily available on ebay etc.
I have recently started experimental turbo ciders and wines, and thought I would share my method:
Using an old 2 Litre glass demijohn (ex old rosie cider demijohn), and a custom bung, I have created what I call a microbrew which I am using for experimental brewing. (in case others wanted to do the same).
And for those who think, why arent you using a full size demijohn, well for multiple reasons, and you could use them if you want, but 1) I had some empty lying around (and Im a big scrimper, not having to pay for stuff if i dont have to!) and secondly if the experimental brew turns out rubbish, its only 2 litres wasted (saves on pocket and that sad feeling you get when a brew goes wrong!)
The main problem I came across was the width of the neck....
No bungs I had would fit, so I fished out something I have called Polymorph* which I used to mould my own bung (put a few tablespoons in a mug with just boiled water and wait until it is transparent and remove, dry and mould to desired shape).
This method could also be used for plastic bottles or other containers which you want to use but dont fit a normal bung. I also seal all touching parts with Vaseline, because unlike rubbery bungs, it is hard.
*polymorph is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer which has a low melting point of 62oC (Polycaprolactone, FDA safe for medical use, so therefore also food use). It is readily available on ebay etc.
i use 5 litre water bottles as demijohns so i guess a 2 litre water bottle will also work. Never made a cider or supermarket juice wine so bad yet that i couldn't drink it though.
