Bottling and Kegging

[NumbSkull]

I am preparing to brew and bottle my first batch of beer. I have the local bars holding onto the good bottles that require a church key to open. I had a collection of bottles that I was saving for recycling that I went through this morning. I found a few good bottles, but most of them were screwtops. It was a disgusting job because my oldest daughter chews tobacco and spits in her empty bottle. I think pumping out septic tanks is a better job.

I've been reading about this kegging and that seems the way to go. Those soda kegs you use, where can a person buy those? I will probably just bottle the first few batches to make sure I like this brewing. It sure is fun just learning about all of it.

Mort

[bub]

You can get the kegs online at the homebrew shops I listed for you earlier.
Also http://www.kegs.com
Your local HB store
sometimes garage sales... if you are lucky.
Used clean 5 gal kegs should cost no more than $30 each.
BUB

[NumbSkull]

I see that now that you mention it. It's funny how you can look right past something like that. I guess that's what I get for bein a numbskull! Ha ha!

I managed to salvage 21 bottles that were relatively clean. I have them soaking in some Oxyclean to remove lables and give them a good cleaning. I have a bottle brush, so tomorrow I will scrub them out real good, rinse them and hang them upside down to dry. I have a bottle of stuff called Star San. Is that what I sanitize with? Should I do that now, or wait until closer to bottling time?

Mort

[bub]

wait till right before bottling to sanitize.
you will need 48-55 bottles for a 5gal batch
BUB

[NumbSkull]

Thanks BUB. Yeah, I did the math and figured out I need a bunch more bottles. I have the local bars hanging on to some for me.

Mort

[DannyW]

Make sure you dilute the star san before you use it. Something like 1oz per 5 gallons of water. Check the label to make sure.

[NumbSkull]

Thanks for the tip. I did read that on the bottle.

I went by the bars today and collected three and a half cases of empty bottles. I have just over a case soaking already, so that should get my first two batches easy enough.

I didn't realize what a hassle these bottles would be. Cleaning, delabeling and storing. I can see why kegging is so popular. I will be trying to figure out a keggerator soon. I have a spare chest freezer, but usually will fill it with deer and a beef. My trusty beer refrigerator may have to be sacrificed. How big around are those kegs?

Mort

[bub]

They are those old soda kegs... somewhere arond 8 inches diameter, and 30 inches hight or so
BUB