Filling level

[MashBag]

I read an article somewhere ages ago (years) about the best filling level aka how much air gap.

I can't find a thing on it now. I have a mixed collection of glass bottles & I am reviewing how I bottle.

Anyone? Anything? Does it make a difference?

 

[Agentgonzo]

For home brew and hoppy ales, someone suggested 5mm as it vastly reduces oxidation (as there is a huge decrease in the oxygen in the bottle).

I think it was Neale.

Anyway, it's my standard bottling for hoppy ales now.

Yes, it makes a big difference.

 

[Agentgonzo]

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/...duced-headspace-in-bottles.96998/post-1206714

 

[MashBag]

I am at about... Oooo... About ... That much... Probably 10-15mm.
My thought was if 25mm would be better. You have now gone the other way. Aaarrg.

Seem to recall a bigger gap was better head?

 

[Clint]

I let the bottling wand calculate it.

 

[Rwilts]

I also fill to the top using wand and then withdraw (years ago read some blurb that this would leave the ideal gap).

I have also squeezed the PET bottles to eliminate that gap a few times and didn't see any difference in the end product, so don't bother now.

 

[Caramel Ox]

I have been filling close to the top after reading that linked thread. I haven’t done any comparisons but have had no issues with it. Initially I topped up each bottle with a beaker but this ended up being easy to forget, now I angle the bottling wand into the top of the bottle to top off.

 

[MashBag]

After a few spot checks it seems I am around 40mm. My "bottling wand*" seems to calculate that

Never had a problem with o2 as I believe the yeast will use. And beers keep OK.

But I will try closer to the top, cos I think it will improve head.

*party tap and gas hose

 

[tutshiveandspile]

I always use the fill height. Embossed on the bottom ring of the bottle.
As do the uk Weights and Measures inspectors.

 

[MashBag]

Is that what the dots are?

 

[tutshiveandspile]

Lots of information including manufacturing marks mould numbers fill hight is in mm. The ones I use its 52mm that's from the top of the bottle

 

[RichardM]

I always use the fill height. Embossed on the bottom ring of the bottle.
As do the uk Weights and Measures inspectors.

Presumably that is to ensure the bottle is filled with the volume it is going to say on the label, not to achieve the best quality beer

 

[tutshiveandspile]

Quite right Richardm