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Bottling my first mead

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CaribouBill

NewBee
Registered Member
Jan 3, 2009
1
0
0
Greetings....

Well, it is good to go...gravity is where I want it and the taste is just about what I expected. The mead will be a still White Muscat Pyment. My question is about the corks. I have been talking to a few people and have been getting mixed opinions. Should I soak the corks before I bottle? and if so, in what....distilled water, star-san, etc...

Any advice on this is appreciated. Please keep in mind that I have made hundreds of gallons of beer so I am familiar with sanitation, cleaning, brewing, etc...
 
Last edited:

Medsen Fey

Fuselier since 2007
Premium Patron
I think the handling of the corks is a matter of personal preference, though I have read where some folks believe that soaking cork may lead to its premature deterioration. Typically I just give them a quick rinse in some sanitizer (usually sulfite solution).

And Welcome to GotMead!
 

afdoty

NewBee
Staff member
Registered Member
Feb 19, 2009
636
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Monroe, CT
My question is about the corks. I have been talking to a few people and have been getting mixed opinions. Should I soak the corks before I bottle? and if so, in what....distilled water, star-san, etc...QUOTE]

I'll soak my corks in a solution of one-step (1 Tbs/1 gallon water @ 140F) for half hour. I don't rinse them, just shake them off as it goes...hey, I'm a cork soaker! Damn SNL!
 

wayneb

Lifetime Patron
Lifetime GotMead Patron
I, too, am a cork soaker! ;D

I usually rinse the corks in lukewarm water, and then soak them in a solution of K-Metabisulfite and room temp water for about 20 minutes to a half hour. I don't rinse them, but I do shake off excess liquid before dropping each one into the corker.
 

Metalhed2g

NewBee
Registered Member
Dec 12, 2008
1
0
0
I've only bottled one batch so far, so I'm no expert. I let mine soak in boiling spring water for a few minutes. I wanted some sanitation, but no extra chemicals. Just a short time though, boil too long and it will definitely effect the structure of the cork. This was back in early December, and so far the bottles that haven't been drank or given away are fine.
 

Odinsson

NewBee
Registered Member
Sep 14, 2008
110
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My major learning experience that I would suggest is to make sure that your bottling bucket is stable at its high point. Espesialy those heavy 5 gal ones that you only push most of the way on the counter cause they're so heavy.
 
Barrel Char Wood Products

Viking Brew Vessels - Authentic Drinking Horns