Air locks

For any alcoholic brew that doesn't fit into any of the above categories!
Post Reply
scottyftm

Air locks

Post by scottyftm » Fri Oct 19, 2012 11:13 am

Hi I am just about to start making my first TC and wines, I am only using 5 litre water bottles as fv's do I need to put an air lock on or will it be ok to lightly screw on the cap? Thanks

lord groan
Lost in an Alcoholic Haze
Posts: 509
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 12:34 pm
Location: Hampshire

Re: Air locks

Post by lord groan » Fri Oct 19, 2012 8:54 pm

Hi Scotty,

Air locks would definitely be better, because they form a tight seal in the bottle neck and the water in them prevents any possibility of air blown germs finding their way into the brew, the water also guarantees that pressure is never built up because the CO2 generated can bubble out.
If airlocks aren't an option then lightly screwing on the lid is probably the next best solution BUT you have to be really careful not to seal the bottle because if you do it will eventually explode, showering your homebrew everywhere. You can check it isn't airtight after putting the lid on by gently squeezing the bottle and listening for air coming out.
I would always go for airlocks myself
Good luck with your brew
lg

scottyftm

Re: Air locks

Post by scottyftm » Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:54 am

Thanks I have ordered some air locks my misses would hit the roof if I had a homebrew explosion!!

Post Reply