Bottle Priming

[Nathan.therrien]

Howdy,

I have been using carbonation drops for over a year with varying success. I don't think they work for "every" beer.. I ONLY bottle condition (because i give out the bottles) and am very concerned about my next few batches.. especially my first Lager coming up.

Would I be better off transferring to a bottling bucket and then adding a simple syrup? (homemade granular melted down in water). If so, how do i mix it in the bucket without adding too much oxygen? And how do i know how much sugar to add? I know some beers specify different carb levels, is there a "rule of thumb" chart?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[VikeMan]

Stir gently beneath the surface. If you add the beer to the sugar water, sometimes racking agitation is enough to mix without stirring.

https://www.brewersfriend.com/beer-priming-calculator/

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

Would I be better off transferring to a bottling bucket and then adding a simple syrup? (homemade granular melted down in water). If so, how do i mix it in the bucket without adding too much oxygen? And how do i know how much sugar to add? I know some beers specify different carb levels, is there a "rule of thumb" chart?

There are a number of techniques for dosing individual bottles (that don't involve a bottling bucket). Sugar cubes (e.g. Domino Dots) apparently can still be found in the right size for a 12 oz bottle. Another option would be to mix a concentrated sugar solution and use an 'eye dropper' to add the solution to each bottle.

Scan 1-Gallon Brewers UNITE! (starting in about 2017) for details (and probably some additional approaches that I've overlooked). IIRC, some of the posts include details for different carb levels.

 

[Jag75]

I may be overboard but when I do bottle prime I add my priming water in 3 steps . At the very beginning , about the middle and almost at the end of transferring to the bottle bucket .

 

[kartracer2]

I may be overboard but when I do bottle prime I add my priming water in 3 steps . At the very beginning , about the middle and almost at the end of transferring to the bottle bucket .

Yeah, that's about the same for me. I use a little more water than spec in my priming solution to reduce the chance of it not mixing well.(viscosity and all that) Valid or not I have yet had a issue with inconsistent carbing. Carbing "levels"',,that's another issue, but no major problems there either.

Joel B.

 

[TwistedGray]

Easiest method = Funnel in 1/2tsp of regular white sugar in each 12oz bottle. That's it... perfect carbonation in every bottle. I've been doing this for years

 

[VikeMan]

Easiest method = Funnel in 1/2tsp of regular white sugar in each 12oz bottle. That's it... perfect carbonation in every bottle. I've been doing this for years

How do you sanitize (and dry) the funnel?

 

[ncbrewer]

How do you sanitize (and dry) the funnel?

I might be a little OCD, but I have a similar concern about carbonation drops, whatever the brand. Sure, they're clean, but I'm concerned about them being brewing clean (sanitized). Microbes could be falling on the product in the factory. I use regular table sugar out of the kitchen canister and boil it in water for ten minutes - then I'm confident it's ok.

 

[d40dave]

Easiest method = Funnel in 1/2tsp of regular white sugar in each 12oz bottle. That's it... perfect carbonation in every bottle. I've been doing this for years

I have always used corn sugar for priming. I have a bunch of granulated (cane/white) sugar which I want to use up. Is there any difference between the 2 when used for priming? Do you same amount? Thanks.

 

[VikeMan]

I have always used corn sugar for priming. I have a bunch of granulated (cane/white) sugar which I want to use up. Is there any difference between the 2 when used for priming? Do you same amount? Thanks.

With table sugar (sucrose) you use a little less. Consult any of the online priming sugar calculators (like the one linked in post #2) or the one built into whatever brewing software you might be using.

 

[TwistedGray]

How do you sanitize (and dry) the funnel?

The same way I sanitize all my brewing gear

 

[TwistedGray]

I have always used corn sugar for priming. I have a bunch of granulated (cane/white) sugar which I want to use up. Is there any difference between the 2 when used for priming? Do you same amount? Thanks.

That's the sugar I am referencing (cane/white sugar - The type of sugar that you use for your tea, coffee, ...). 1/2tsp per 12oz bottle

 

[dwhite60]

1/2 teaspoon per twelve ounce bottle. Nothing will grow on sugar. If spoon and funnel are clean you'll have no problems.

Started this way thirty years ago. I've done it all priming wise. I'm back to this now. Simple and cheap.

 

[HarryB]

How do you sanitize (and dry) the funnel?

I begin with my funnel sanitized before I begin, fit the funnel in each bottle in turn, add the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in the funnel, then wash it it with the beer. Fit the top, give it a good shake and put to one side. Once all are filled, I give each another shake and store away. To get my 1/2 teaspoon just right, I made an 1/2 teaspoon measure calibrated so when levelled, it produces the exact weight of sugar for the 1/2 teaspoon like a pan shape. I was concerned that teaspoons are a rather crude measure at best.

 

[dwhite60]

I begin with my funnel sanitized before I begin, fit the funnel in each bottle in turn, add the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in the funnel, then wash it it with the beer. Fit the top, give it a good shake and put to one side. Once all are filled, I give each another shake and store away. To get my 1/2 teaspoon just right, I made an 1/2 teaspoon measure calibrated so when levelled, it produces the exact weight of sugar for the 1/2 teaspoon like a pan shape. I was concerned that teaspoons are a rather crude measure at best.

I don't shake. Was told to let them sit for a week then give them a spin.

Shaking apparently oxidizes the beer.

 

[TwistedGray]

Yah I don't shake either, and I'll do enough bottles at once with the sugar then fill from my spout. Makes it simple enough

 

[HarryB]

I don't shake. Was told to let them sit for a week then give them a spin.

Shaking apparently oxidizes the beer.

Sorry, I should have said - I use plastic bottles and as I fit the cap, I squeeze them to expel any air above the surface.