Priming for non standard bottles

[frenziedsoldier]

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick question about priming with non standard bottles (e.g. Grolsch bottles). I was wondering instead of bulk priming and mixing it, then bottling. Could I not try and do equal parts water and sugar for my final priming amount and put the required amount of ml's into each bottle with a syringe instead?

I was working off 7g per L and working out for a 450ml bottle, and I arrived at 3.15g. So I was think that 3.15ml of sugar water per bottle.

If this doesn't work I was going to sugar the bottles prior to bottling so they are ready to go.

 

[wereprawn]

Why not bulk prime ? Seems a whole lot easier ! Unless you don't have a spare fermenter. If so, is there a large container or 2 around which is cleanable and able to be sanitized?

 

[Black Devil Dog]

Bulk priming's about as easy as it gets, but it's your time, if you want to spend more time mucking around with other options, go for it.

 

[verysupple]

I syringe prime all my bottles and it works really well. I use another priming calculator (choose an online one or if you use brewing software it should do it) to first calculate the amount of dextrose (or table sugar if that's what you use) needed per litre, and then convert to per bottle. I then have a spreadsheet I made to tell me how much sugar to mix with how much water and then how many mL of solution to syringe into each bottle. I can send you the (very basic) spreadsheet if you're interested, just PM me. I'll also add some simple instructions/explanations.

 

[verysupple]

Also, just for information, here are some reasons why I, and others, don't bulk prime.

1) I bottle straight from the primary FV and I don't want to stir up the crud at the bottom when mixing the priming solution.

2) Even if I used a bottling bucket or secondary FV I wouldn't be comfortable stirring as much as is needed to ensure homogeneity - mainly due to the oxygen introduced.

3) Syringe priming is damn easy and takes about the same time as it would take to carefully rack a 23 L batch of beer.

4) I've read many accounts of uneven carbonation throughout a batch when bulk priming, probably due to insufficient mixing of the priming solution. This is not even a potential issue when syringe priming, as long as you don't do something really stupid. Even then I can't think how you'd screw it up.

 

[frenziedsoldier]

pm sent supple, that sounds like something I am looking for to help first time round.

 

[SergeMarx]

http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/74358-bottle-priming-calculator/page-3

my latest version for syringe bottle priming in the last post - might work for you

 

[superstock]

The std sugar scoop is 3 & 6 gms, costs a couple of bucks from Brigalow, etc. I just cut down the 6 gms to 3.5 gms.

 

[verysupple]

I should mention that the key to getting evenly primed bottles when syringe priming is to start with a homogenous priming solution. You need the sugar to be completely dissolved so no grains sink to the bottom. I just use a (sanitised) Pyrex jug, measure in the sugar and then top it up to the required volume with boiled water from the kettle and give it a good stir. Then give it a 20 sec blast in the microwave and give it a good stir, then repeat until the solution is crystal clear. It might take 2 - 3 blasts.

 

[davedoran]

Personally I think much like a lot of home brewing its about working out what works best for you and going with that.
I have done the syringe method, carb drops, and am now using a bottling bucket. I find this works best for me and have never noticed any difference in carb levels.
I take fermentor out of fridge and sit on bench top. Try do this in a slow steady motion to minimize disrupting the crud. Leave it sit for 15 mins. While this sits I rinse out the bottling bucket and apply no rinse sanitiser to it. Add dextrose and dissolve in boiling water.
Position bottle bucket below, add flexible hose (sanitised) from fermentor and let it off.

As I say down to preference but to me this is less labour intensive than syringing each bottle.

 

[moodgett]

Bulk prime ftw ) I bottle into a range of sizes from 345-355ml
English pints, grolsch bottles upto 640 and 710mls and its the best way to go
Imho