No bottles left what to do...

[jimbuckleybarrett]

Hi,

I've used up all my bottles on the last brew which I'm keeping for Christmas but I have another brew on, the plan was to have that ready for new year eve but I didn't think of the bottles.

Is it possible to use a second fermenter and add the sugar to that instead of bottling?

If so what is the best practice for this?  Do I melt the sugar first, do I need a second fermenter or can I use the same fermenter?

PS I'm a newbie so please explain any termology you use, thanks.

Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Jim

[irish_goat]

Do you mean serve the beer straight from the fermenter? I wouldn't really advise doing that as it won't be very fizzy and you risk oxidation/infection everytime you pour from it.

Where are you based? Craft beer pubs tend to have loads of spare bottles or someone on here might be able to help you out.

[jimbuckleybarrett]

Well basically yes I was thinking of adding the sugar to the fermenter but I presume I would have to drain the brew into a clean fermenter, add the sugar and leave for two weeks.  Then just pour using the tap.

It's not a big problem, I can always just wait for the bottles to be emptied, it be a hard task but I'm willing to try it .

Jim

[Chris]

Where are you based Jim?

[jimbuckleybarrett]

Mallow area, Chris.  But it you can't use a second fermenter to ... not sure of the term (bottle!) ... then I'll just wait.  I have enough 18+ in the house that will be more than happy to start on the drinking early lol .

[Bubbles]

Might be a silly question... but.. would you consider investing in some bottle from one of the homebrew shops. I've done this before when I've batches on and no bottles available. They're a good investment for the future, especially if you get the nice 750ml swingtops. You'll always find something to fill them with..

[irish_goat]

Franciscan Well have bucket loads of spare bottles if you're in Cork much.

[jimbuckleybarrett]

Bubbles, I have - I have over 90 bottles.  I'm like a small brewery at this stage.  I just mis timed my batch for New year lol.

As I said it's not a big deal, was just wondering if I could use the second fermenter but simple answer to that is nope!

[Taf]

How many bottles do you need? I probably have approx 40 or more, sitting in crates, waiting to be dumped, as I can't be bothered cleaning them, plus I keg most of my beer now. They are yours if you want to go to the effort of giving them a good clean, and you can have the crates for €5 each. I'm in Grenagh, so only 10 minutes or so from Mallow.

[jimbuckleybarrett]

Taf, I probably take you up on that but I'm away this weekend, so I'm message you next week and we'll see what we can arrange.

Thanks, Jim

[Taf]

Sound

[auralabuse]

If your fermenter had a full seal and could take the pressure of the co2 generated then why not.   Do ya have a spare corny?,  you could batch prime (add sugar),  stick it in the corny,  seal and keep warm.

[jimbuckleybarrett]

Taf, sorry for not getting back to you but we had a death in the family over Christmas.  I'll leave the bottles for now as you can appreciate brewing is the last thing on my mind right now.  Appreciate the offer, thanks!

Jim

[Taf]

No problem, sorry for your loss.

[johnrm]

Sorry to hear that Jim.