Types of tanks for wine fermentation + how to choose
The quality and taste of homemade alcohol is influenced not only by the characteristics of the raw materials, but also by the characteristics of the fermentation vessel. In order not to spoil the beautiful grapes and other fruits, you should be careful when choosing a container.
The container should be comfortable, voluminous and, most importantly, safe. For centuries, vessels made of various materials have been used for winemaking needs: from the famous oak barrels and ceramic amphorae to stone (concrete) baths and leather bags. The size of the vessels also varied: from modest bottles of several liters to giant containers for several hundred or even thousands of kilograms.
Choose the material of the container
Metal
It is absolutely unacceptable to use aluminum and enamel containers for wine fermentation and storage. These materials oxidize and give drinks an unpleasant taste, smell and color, not to mention harmful to health.
Food grade stainless steel can in principle be considered as a fermentation container, but only as a last resort. Not only is it expensive, heavy, and opaque, but it can also give the wine a metallic flavor during long-term storage. Therefore, it is better to look for a more suitable option, unless, of course, you plan to use bronze, like the ancient Chinese.
Clay
At first glance, the perfect material: natural and tested by winemakers. But there are nuances here too.
Clay containers are easy to break.
It is difficult to choose a water seal.
Even the strongest and highest quality clay (glazed and fired) tends to absorb odors, so reusing such a vessel can spoil the taste of the drink.
Bacteria easily accumulate and multiply on the surface of the material, which is not healthy. Therefore, it is possible to consider a clay jug as an experimental disposable vessel, but not as a permanent container for fermentation.
Plastic
More recently, winemakers reacted extremely negatively to the proposal to use plastic containers for the production of alcohol. However, with the widespread use and improvement of the material, the attitude towards it has changed. Today, plastic containers are very popular and successfully used for wine fermentation.
The main thing is to remember that cheap PET bottles should be used with caution for these purposes. They are convenient, affordable and lightweight, but over time they can lose their positive properties and begin to release harmful substances into the drink. After a single use, such containers should be immediately thrown away and replaced with new ones.
The best qualities are possessed by special durable food grade plastic, which is available in a wide range, although it is hard to call it environmentally friendly. The "disadvantage" of the material is its opacity, which prevents you from observing the process. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that there are also options that can be reconsidered. Nevertheless, Vzboltai is committed to natural containers, so the following two materials are out of competition.
Wood
There is no need to describe the advantages of oak barrels and kegs: it is not for nothing that they have been used for many centuries to store wines and other beverages. Particularly good material for long term quiet fermentation. In it, the drink breathes, and is enriched with tannins, and acquires a noble taste, and is perfectly stored, and such containers look beautiful and elegant.
If not for one "but": not every wood is suitable for winemaking needs, and not even any oak - within Russia, you can find suitable material only in the Crimea and the Caucasus. And the cost of oak containers will be accordingly, not to mention the need for special care for it.
Because whatever you say, the best material for home winemaking is the latter.
Glass
Affordable, durable, easy to use, transparent, neutral - these are the "pros". And the shutter is easy to pick up to it.
As a "minus", perhaps, it is worth mentioning fragility, but if you stock up on high-quality thick glass, then it will not yield to plastic in strength. More significant disadvantages, when compared with wooden containers, are: the ability to transmit light, susceptibility to temperature fluctuations and lack of ventilation.
But all the problems can be solved: choose a bottle made of dark glass, store it in a cozy place with a relatively constant temperature, and periodically pour the wine to enrich it with oxygen. If desired, you can wrap the container with felt or straw to limit the access of light.
Determine the volume of the container
Fermentation tanks come in different volumes: 5, 10, 20, 30 and more liters. You should focus on your capabilities and the amount of raw materials.
For beginner winemakers who are limited in space, 5-10 liter bottles will do.
Those who have bigger plans can choose 10-20 liter containers.
A larger volume can be problematic in terms of transportation, but if you are not afraid of this, 30-liter containers will do.
When choosing a container, you should consider:
The container for the rapid fermentation should be filled no more than 3 quarters, and preferably 2 thirds, so a volume reserve is necessary. A wide neck is more convenient for this stage, as it makes it easier to remove foam and stir.
At the "quiet" stage, the vessel is filled almost to the neck, so there is no need for extra space. Keep in mind that in the process of primary fermentation of wort and removal of sediment, the amount of the final product will be reduced by at least a couple of liters.
The ideal ratio of tanks for two stages may look like this: 20-liter bottles for the first and 10-12-liter bottles for the second.
Weed out the unnecessary and leave the necessary
The number of different "lotions" and "bells and whistles" to a vessel can vary. Some of them are really useful, while others serve to attract attention and nothing more.
Handles for easy carrying are definitely a plus when it comes to large containers. Those who have had to move 20-30 liter containers will agree. With the help of special holders, it is easier to gently move the container without disturbing the wort. For large metal containers, you will also need wheels.
Water seal. You can buy it separately, but if it is already selected and comes with the vessel, why not?? The same applies to the special lid or cork. Very convenient: you don't have to adjust, glue or cut anything. Just make sure that the accessory is easy to remove and clean.
A volume scale is a useful thing, especially when it comes to plastic containers. With its help, you can track changes in the amount of wort and observe the process through a special window.
Built-in thermometer - convenient, but not necessary. It will definitely not be superfluous, but it can be replaced with a cheap device that is glued to the vessel.
Tap in the lower part. A very useful element, especially for plastic containers, especially if it is compatible with other accessories (hose, dispensing gun, etc.). д.). You can carefully decant some wine for a sample without disturbing the bulk. It is important that the tap is slightly above the bottom so that the drained beverage does not mix with the sediment.
A bubble motion sensor, built-in electric heater, coasters and other "chips" are, of course, useful, but they add significantly to the cost and are not absolutely necessary.
When buying a fermentation vessel, do not forget to make sure that it is not damaged and is intended for food.
Update: 20.12.2018
Category: Vodka an Moonshine