Simple ways to take samples from fermenters without taps

[kahlerisms]

So I'm looking for something like a valinch I guess.

Something to take samples out of glass carboys and barrels without having to go through the hassle of sanitising a whole syphon/hose setup.

Anyone got any nice simple ideas? I'm thinking super simply a long piece of copper or PVC dunked in, thumb over the hole, take it out and release into your hydrometer tube/glass etc.

Needs to be:

* Simple(r than a syphon)
* Small(er than a syphon)
* Most importantly, easier to clean/sanitise than a syphon.


I'm sure you guys have some excellent ideas.

 

[NewtownClown]

Turkey baster

 

[yum beer]

Wine thief...same but different.

 

[Kodos]

Turkey baster

 

[mr_wibble]

I use a glass turkey-baster like thing.

It has measuring graduations on the side.

For the most part it looks the same as the photo above.

EDIT: Oh, I use a wine thief too. Usually whichever I grab first. My wine thief is quite small, so I have to dip it 3 times to get enough of a sample for the hydrometer to float. So if you're going to buy one, maybe get a larger one. Mine is about 250mm long, and maybe 10mm in diameter.

 

[kahlerisms]

Oooh those glass wine thieves look nice. I will try and hunt one down. That's exactly what I'm after.

 

[Mr. No-Tip]

I am yet to try this, but from some reading the other day it seems that autosyphons are also wine theives as well. Forget the hose part, just sanitise the main syphon, dip in, release the stopper, fill, sample. This is my main carboy/barrel approach from now on.