Home Brew Supplies question

[derosa]

So what are people using to cork their bottles? I'm a very light drinker looking to make mead and like the idea that the last few bottle might be around for a number of years. My reading suggests using synthetic corks for the long term but that synthetic can only be installed with a floor corker. Are there any other options?

[Kilted Jeeper]

So what are people using to cork their bottles? I'm a very light drinker looking to make mead and like the idea that the last few bottle might be around for a number of years. My reading suggests using synthetic corks for the long term but that synthetic can only be installed with a floor corker. Are there any other options?

I 2nd the EZ top bottles. I don't use them myself, but have been told repeatedly I need to switch. Since you are in Rochester I know for sure you can get them at Sunset Hydroponics & Homebrewing as well as Beers of the World.

[jkane]

First, I apologize for the big math mistake in my above post! Brain failed miserably. It was 100 ml of bourbon per gallon, not 1 ounce. Not sure what I was thinking. That is like 3.5 ounces. I edited it so it's right now.

Use what ever cork you like. Yes, mead does not need/want to "breath" like wine does. That is the theory anyhow. It will age slower with synthetic, but it will be very hard to tell unless you are waiting 30-50 years to sample! Are you that slow of a drinker?

The flip tops with rubber seals are a great idea. The don't breath much, and are great of mead. You can also use regular beer bottles and just cap them for an airtight seal. If you want bigger bottles, look for the bigger brown beer bottles.

I also keg most of what I make. Keeping the top covered with CO2 or Nitrogen is good long term. But that is only a couple of years.

I use mostly cork corks. I have no complaints about them. They do get that "woody" oxidation flavor after 5 years or so. I have not had synthetic corks for more than a couple of years, so I can't say if they will not really turn out the same.

BTW: I picked up a floor corker at a local brew store clearance sale many years ago. It was the floor model, and I got it for like $60. It has worked flawlessly for me through about 1500 bottles of mead and wine. Keep your eyes open for used ones. They are nice.