Crafted Bottler

Crafted Bottler exists to help you begin your home beverage making journey. Our goal is to help new makers feel confident about diving into this fun hobby. With our easy to use equipment and ingredient kits; you will be confident and have the tools you need to produce a product you'll be proud to share with friends and family. Phone - [phone] Email - [email protected] Visit - https://www.craftedbottler.com/

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If you are starting your wine, mead or cider journey and have no equipment; this list will help you determine what you need.    

Primary Fermenter with lid*: A food grade plastic vessel and with a small hole and grommet in the lid with approximately 2 gallons of capacity more than you plan to make. This will allow fermentation bubbling and foaming to happen without spilling over. Food grade containers are best to use because they are easy to clean and do not affect the taste of the wine.

Carboy or Secondary fermenter: A glass or plastic narrow-necked container with an opening only large enough for a stopper and airlock. Used for clarifying and aging beverages. They are available in 1, 3, 5, or 6 gallon sizes. Fermenting wine is transferred to these containers 7-14 days after the start of fermentation once primary fermentation has slowed down.

Air Lock*: Designed to prevent bacteria and oxygen from getting into your wine, while allowing the produced carbon dioxide gas to escape. Fill with sanitizer to keep oxygen out. Air contact can spoil wine through oxidation or can contaminate the wine with acetic bacteria. These bacteria convert the alcohol in the wine to vinegar.

Drilled Stopper: Use either a gum rubber or PET style. A stopper is necessary to hold the air lock in place on the carboy.

Auto Siphon with Tubing*: Used to transfer wine from one container to another while leaving sediment behind. It is also used with a bottle filler or bottling wand for consistent mess free bottling.

Mixing Paddle*: A winemaking specific food grade plastic stirring utensil long enough to reach the bottom of the primary fermenter. Its narrow end fits in secondary carboys with narrow necks; essential for mixing fruit and sugar and for stirring during primary and secondary fermentation.

Mix Stir Degassing Tool*: Attaches to a power drill and is used to remove the carbon dioxide gas from wine or introduce oxygen into must before yeast is added. An optional tool, but strongly recommended.

Winemaking Testing Tools

Hydrometer*: A simple, inexpensive tool for measuring sugar content using the Specific Gravity (S.G.) scale to monitor fermentation progress. Crucial for determining accurate alcohol content.

Thermometers - stick on and probe*: Used to monitor the temperature during the winemaking process.

Wine Thief*: For taking samples from the primary fermenter and secondary carboy for testing and tasting.

Test Jar*: a 10-inch to 14-inch tall cylinder to put wine in for testing with a hydrometer. Use a wine thief to collect a sample to fill the test jar.

Winemaking Bottling Equipment

Bottle Filler*: Attaches to the bottom of the siphon tubing and automatically dispenses liquid when pressed into the bottom of a bottle. Stops flow upon removal from the bottle, allowing you go to between bottles without spills.

Corker*: Inserts corks into bottles. Several styles exist; a floor corker is best, although a hand corker is included in starter equipment kits.

Corks*: Use new corks for each batch to ensure a proper seal. Do not soak corks! In the 21st century, this practice only expands corks, making insertion difficult. A quick dip in sanitizer is sufficient to kill bacteria. After corking, store bottles upright for one week to equilibrate pressure, then lay them on their side to keep corks moist, storing at 60° F.

Bottles: 24 - 750mL bottles will be needed for every 5 gallons. Standard wine bottles with a cork finish are recommended for wines aging over two months. Avoid screw-top bottles for home winemaking due to the specialized equipment needed to seal them properly, which isn't available to home winemakers. Bottles come in various colors however, green and clear are the most popular. Cork finish bottles can be reused; rinse with hot water, clean with Easy Clean or One Step, and sanitize with a quick rinse of sodium or potassium metabisulfite. All cork finish bottles have a uniform opening, fitting #7, #8, or #9 corks. For more on choosing corks, visit our blog: Crafted Bottler Corks.

*These items are included in the Crafted Bottler Mead, Cider & Wine Making Equipment Kit.

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Mead is actually quite simple to make as long as you use the proper equipment and ingredients. The hardest part about making mead is patience. Here's some of the common questions asked about making mead.

How Do You Make Mead?

The Short Version:

Mix Honey and Water: In your primary fermenting bucket, combine 3-3.5 pounds of honey per gallon of mead.

Yeast and Nutrition: Add mead yeast along with some nutritional source like raisins to support yeast growth.

Fermentation Starts: Attach an airlock to your fermentation vessel. Yeast will convert sugars into alcohol, with CO2 escaping through the airlock. This initial fermentation could last from 2 weeks to a month.

Secondary Fermentation: Once the bubbling slows down or stops, transfer your mead to a secondary fermenter like a carboy, leaving the sediment behind. Let it sit for about 2 months in a dark place.

Bottling: After aging, bottle your mead and label it for personal enjoyment or gifting.

For a detailed traditional mead recipe, check out this link: https://www.craftedbottler.com/blogs/post/mead-recipe

Is It Legal to Make Mead in the US?

Yes, for personal consumption. You'll need a license to sell it commercially.

How Much Honey Do I Need for 1 Gallon of Mead?

You'll need 3-3.5 pounds of honey for each gallon of mead.

Can I Use Tap Water for Mead?

Yes, if it's filtered, safe, and tastes good. However, spring water is often recommended for its mineral content beneficial for fermentation. If using tap water do one of the following:

Boil it to remove chlorine.

Let it sit overnight to evaporate chlorine.

Use potassium metabisulfite or Campden tablets.

Employ a filter system to remove chloramine and other impurities.

Avoid distilled water due to its lack of minerals.

Is Raw Honey OK for Mead?

Absolutely! Raw honey is excellent for mead because it's packed with natural sugars, minerals, and nutrients that enhance taste and fermentation.

How Long Does Mead Ferment?

Primary fermentation generally takes 7-14 days, with secondary fermentation lasting 1-3 months.

How Alcoholic Can Mead Get?

Mead can range from 3.5% to over 20% ABV. With the right yeast and nutrients, you can achieve up to 18% ABV, though meads over 15% might taste "hot" if not properly managed.

How to Stop Fermentation in Mead?

Use potassium sorbate to halt yeast activity. About 1/2 teaspoon per gallon once fermentation is complete.

How Do You Age Mead?

Aging involves:

Temperature: Keep it between 55–65°F (13–18°C).

Humidity: Around 70% to keep corks moist.

Light: Store in darkness or dark containers to avoid UV damage.

Position: Lay bottles on their side if corked.

Bulk Aging: Age in bulk before bottling for consistency, minimizing headspace to prevent oxidation.

By following these guidelines, you can craft mead that not only tastes great but also reflects the ancient art of brewing. Whether you're a seasoned brewer or a curious novice, mead-making can be a delightful journey into the past with a sweet twist on modern home brewing. Enjoy your mead-making adventure!

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Essential Wine Corks for Homemade Wine: What You Need to Know

Creating homemade wine is an art that combines passion, precision, and patience. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned vintner, proper bottling is crucial to preserving the flavors and aromas of your wine. The choice of wine corks and corkers can significantly impact your success in home wine making. This guide delves into the essentials of wine corks, explores the different types of corkers available, and offers tips to ensure your wine is bottled perfectly.

The Role of Corks in Homemade Wine

Wine corks play an integral role in bottling. They serve as the primary seal, protecting your wine from external factors like air and moisture while allowing minimal oxygen exchange necessary for aging. Selecting the right cork ensures the wine’s quality, longevity, and taste are preserved.

Types of Wine Corks

1. Natural Corks

Natural corks are harvested from cork oak trees and are prized for their elasticity and durability. They are ideal for wines meant to age over time due to their tight seal and micro-permeability.

Pros: Excellent for aging, eco-friendly.

Cons: Higher cost, potential for cork taint (TCA contamination).

2. Synthetic Corks

Made from food-grade plastic or similar materials, synthetic corks are a modern alternative to natural corks.

Pros: Affordable, resistant to cork taint, easy to insert.

Cons: Not suitable for long-term aging, less traditional feel.

3. Agglomerated Corks

These are made from granulated cork particles, offering a budget-friendly option for everyday wines.

Pros: Affordable, suitable for short-term storage.

Cons: Limited aging capabilities, less durable.

4. Screw Caps and Alternative Closures

Though not technically corks, screw caps are becoming popular due to their convenience and airtight seal.

Pros: Zero cork taint risk, cost-effective.

Cons: Lack the traditional aesthetic. Not recommended for storage over a month. Oxidation occurs quickly.

Choosing the Right Cork for Your Wine

Your choice of cork depends on several factors:

Wine Type and Aging Goals: Opt for natural corks for wines intended to age, and synthetic corks or screw caps for wines consumed within a year or two.

Budget: Natural corks are premium, while synthetic and agglomerated options are more economical.

Environmental Considerations: Natural corks are biodegradable and sustainable, aligning with eco-conscious values.

Corking Equipment: Choosing a Corker for Home Wine Making

Using the right corker makes bottling more efficient and ensures a secure seal. Here are the primary types of corkers:

1. Handheld Corkers

Handheld corkers are compact and affordable, perfect for beginners.

Best For: Small batches.

How It Works: The cork is compressed manually and pushed into the bottle.

Drawbacks: Requires significant hand strength and can be inconsistent.

2. Double-Lever Corkers

Double-lever corkers are the most popular choice for hobbyists due to their ease of use and reliability.

Best For: Medium-scale wine making.

How It Works: Two levers are pressed simultaneously to insert the cork smoothly.

Pros: Consistent results, moderate cost.

3. Floor Corkers

Floor corkers are professional-grade tools, offering effortless and precise corking.

Best For: Larger batches or frequent winemaking.

How It Works: A foot-operated mechanism compresses and inserts the cork.

Advantages: High efficiency, minimal effort.

Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires storage space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Corking Your Homemade Wine

Sanitize Corks and Bottles: Always start with clean, sanitized equipment to prevent contamination.

Prepare Your Corker: Follow the corker's instructions to set it up correctly.

Position the Bottle: Place the bottle securely in the corker.

Insert the Cork: Compress the cork and push it into the bottle neck with a smooth, firm motion.

Seal and Store: Ensure the cork is flush with the bottle’s rim, then store the bottle upright for 24-48 hours to allow the cork to expand.

Storing and Aging Bottled Wine

Once corked, wine bottles should be stored upright for one week and then laid horizontally to keep the cork moist, ensuring an airtight seal. Optimal storage conditions include:

Temperature: 50-60°F (10-15°C).

Humidity: 50-80% to prevent cork drying.

Light: Avoid direct sunlight to preserve the wine’s integrity.

Tips for Success in Home Wine Making

Invest in Quality Corks: Compromising on cork quality can jeopardize the entire batch.

Practice with the Corker: Familiarize yourself with the corker before bottling your wine.

Label Your Bottles: Include details like the wine type, bottling date, and expected aging time.

Plan for Storage: Ensure you have adequate space and conditions for aging.

FAQs on Wine Corks and Corking

1. Can I reuse wine corks for homemade wine?

Reusing corks is not recommended as they will not create a proper seal, risking oxidation and contamination.

2. How long can synthetic corks preserve wine?

Synthetic corks typically preserve wine for up to two years, making them suitable for short-term storage.

3. What’s the difference between natural corks and agglomerated corks?

Natural corks are solid pieces of cork bark, ideal for aging, while agglomerated corks are made of cork particles, suitable for short-term use.

4. Do I need a floor corker for home wine making?

A floor corker is ideal for frequent or large-scale winemaking. Beginners can opt for handheld or double-lever corkers.

5. How do I prevent cork taint?

Choose high-quality corks from reputable suppliers and store wine in clean, sanitized bottles.

Conclusion

The right wine cork and corker can make all the difference in the success of your homemade wine. By understanding the types of corks and corkers available, you can make informed decisions tailored to your wine’s needs and your personal preferences. With proper preparation and storage, your homemade wine will be ready to impress friends, family, and your own palate. Cheers to your wine-making journey!