Small batch containers

Aug 05, 2006 5 Replies

Hi All,



I'm a homebrewer who would like to try a little winemaking on the side. Seeing as how all of my big 5 gal glass carboys are currently "occupied", I would love to try some small (~1 gal) batches of various fruit wines and meads. I keep reading about people using 1 gal glass jugs that they get from some unknown, unnamed sources, but as I don't have a clue where to get them... What other types of containers are possible? Plastic juice containers? Plastic milk jugs? Big glass jars?



Much appreciated in advance, Shane.



The 1 gallon glass jugs are available from a variety of sources. You can purchase them at almost any grocery store; you'll find them with a "Carlo Rossi" label on them in the wine and beer section. If you decide to purchase these jugs, whatever you do, don't consume the contents. You can also find them at any home brewing shop and occasionally (but increasingly rarely) apple juice is sold in these jugs.

I'd stay away from other gallon containers. Your wine might pick up off-flavors from certain plastics, and glass jars with large open mouths will be difficult to fit an airlock onto.

Greg G.

Shane Boyd wrote:

My local home wine/beermaking supplier sells 1 gallon glass jugs and screw top lids. They're what I use for my 1 gallon batches. You could also buy one of the inexpensive jug wines in 1 gallon jugs and either drink or dispose of the contents.

Gene

Shane:

It's no mystery. Carlo Rossi 4L jugs populate the recycling centers like no other wine bottle.

When you take your recycling to toss, bring a leaf rake to grasp the handle of the Carlo Rossi jugs waiting for you in the recycling bin. Bring 'em home and wash them real good!!

Also your more up-scale taverns and diners might serve Carlo Rossi as their house wine, a peek in the alley will give it away. Ask the proprietor if they might allow you to stop buy, oh say Saturday mornings to pick up the jugs.

Steve

Hi, If you or anyone else live in or around Tampa Bay Florida I can give you FREE as many 3 liter jug wine clean glass container as you care to take.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only for pick up!

SG Brix

Shane Boyd wrote:

If you have a Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Vitamin Cottage or similar store in your area, they all have 1 gallon apple juice in glass jugs. This is what I use.

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