With the first ever NHC wine kit raffle started, I figured that this would be a good time to post this quick guide.
I use a lot of demijohns and I often need a temporary or disposable 1 gallon FV, because:
The solution? A 5 liter water bottle from aldi/lidl/tesco. I call it the Bottlejohn!
Here's one in use to start a dandelion wine.
(http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt234/eoinlayton/Beer/19052013501_zpsc38f21e0.jpg)
They generally cost about €1.30 and you also get a gallon of bottled spring water for your wine ;D (Remember to boil it)
The only downside is that the ridges in the bottle act like shelves for sediment. A bit of care while racking and it's fine.
Pros: light, cheap, easy, disposable, local (like your mom). an extra 500ml headroom
Cons: sediment on ridges.
(http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt234/eoinlayton/Beer/21122013853_zps118a5d4e.jpg)
A few small modifications and you're good to go.
I'll start with the easiest version and work my way through.
Option 1 - Simply loosen the cap
The constant stream of carbon dioxide from the yeast keeps oxygen out.
This works great for primary fermentation, but once things calm down it's a good time to rack the wine off the lees into a more airtight FV to chug away for the next few weeks/months.
Option 2 - Fit an airlock
Use a 10mm drill-bit to make a hole in the cap. I find that wood bits are the best as they make nice clean holes.
Generally the seal is good, but after a few used the hole can get a bit stretched (giggitty!)
(http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt234/eoinlayton/Beer/21122013854_zps9ef1027c.jpg)
Option 3 - Fit a bung, then an airlock
The rubber bung that you use on a 5 gallon bucket works great here. It's always good to have a few spares. You can buy them here (http://www.homebrewwest.ie/spare-bung-for-33-litre-fermenter-2025-p.asp) for 50cent. (https://plus.google.com/+50Cent/posts)
Use a 14-15mm drill bit. Again wood works best (at least that's what she says)
A tight bunghole makes a better seal (oh yeah!), and using a well fitting rubber protects you against infection (... must resist)
(http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt234/eoinlayton/Beer/21122013855_zps19aee488.jpg)
Otherwise, or the lazy folks, you can also buy them complete here (http://www.homebrewwest.ie/5-litre-pet-demi-john-94-p.asp) for €3.25
Those bottles are super value. I've only done 2 wines and a mead. Used these Aldi bottles for them. I didn't even drill the cap. Just left the cap loose with no air lock. That's proper lazy :P
Simply leaving the cap loose is perfectly fine for faster ferments like kits.
But my hedgerow wines generally ferment for about 3 months, so an airlock adds a bit of protection and peace of mind.
I also just love the bubbling... ;D
The brewbelt looks familiar.
You can figure-8 this around 2 smaller vessels such as 2 x Cheapo Johnny-Johns as described above.
Looking closer at the pic, I think you have figure-8'd.
yes, it's figure of 8'd alright.
Even if you've only got one demijohn in use it's best to loop it around 2 with the second one full of water (or start a second wine), otherwise you add too much heat by having it wrapped around twice ;)
Yep, the Lidl water bottles are almost the exact same as plastic demijohns. Hadn't thought of drilling the lid though.
Ditto on the loosened cap for a quick-and-dirty ferment job. Works fine for my cheap-and-dirty ciders. Love the idea of the fitted airlock for safer and longer-term fermentations. Thanks for sharing the photos!
Guess what the Italien home wine makers use for a long term air lock ( after just using a piece of foil/clingy/kitchen roll for the vigorous phase??
NO! to all theose wacky expensive answers: They just pour in 2 mm of olive oil into the neck of the DJ/Carboy!
Not even extra virgin - thats too good - save it for the salads!
A bit of vigorous lateral twisting (I can't think of a better way to describe it!) will help the sediment to drop off the ridges.
damn italians with their oily wine!
my version of 'lateral twisting' is to just give it a slap every now and then :)
Oooh, Betty.
Will be having a go at doing a lidl/aldi cider in one of these pretty soon.
CH takes a step to the side as FJ gets stoned :o,
why would I be getting stoned CH? :P
You mentioned the T, oh no I can't even say it ;D, you will be fermenting in a u bend next ::)
T? for Turbo?
Sure its all about learning and this seems like it'll be a bit of fun. I doubt I'll go as far as using a "U bend" but i can buy them at staff price hmmm