How I store bourbon backset indefinitely via nochill

[ekul]

I brew AG using the nochill method. I decided to apply the nochill method to storing backset about a year ago because i don't drink enough bourbon to warrant consecutive batches (i'm mainly a rum, scotch and beer drinker).

Basically after I am finished a 60L stripping run on a bourbon I drain the stillage into a 20L cube that has been sanitised with starsan. Done it a few times now and it seems to keep really well (haven't had one go off yet). I just used one cube of backset that is nearly a year old. I have a couple others that have been sitting around without any signs of infection. I use 2 of these cubes in a 180L batch of bourbon wash. I do a mash of corn and barley but i usually top up with some sugar to increase the abv of the wash to 10%. I just bought some really cheap wheat malt extract so ill be using that in conjunction with 'dry enzyme' to try achieve a somewhat 'all malt' wash.

A cube is a 20L water drum like this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cube-Contain ... 2b6&_uhb=1
The important thing is that the cube is air tight once it is closed. I assume the hot stillage pasteurises the cube and the 'airtightness' prevents any naties getting in.
Smaller cubes are available and it would probably work equally as well.

Hope someone finds this useful :)

[kelbygreen]

yeah used to use that method alot with AG works a tread. As said a very clean sanitised cube is ideal and squeeze as much air out as you can (maybe not so important with backset) But it takes a few seconds and use a towel so you dont burn your knees :laughing-rolling:

[ekul]

not sure if squeezing all the air out is necessary with backset as hot side aeration probably isn't an issue (hsa is even contested as an problem with ag wort!). I squeeze the air out to ensure the hot liquid is touching everthing... hopefully pastuerising the surfaces. After an hour i flip the cube to make sure.

[kelbygreen]

yeah I agree but like all foods and drinks and things oxigen will make it age faster. Removing it may not do anything but it doesnt take alot to do if you are careful.

Hmm I need to brew another beer thinking over all this :laughing-rolling: been way over a year since I done one keep looking and the 3V setup and pump and go prob should do it but never get time :angry-banghead:

[tipsy]

I've been doing this for a while now, the longest I've had it sitting around is probably 3 months no probs :handgestures-thumbupleft:

I use a 12lt cube I think I got from Bunnings. I use 12lt backset in a 40-50lt wash.

[Dusty_ben]

Hi guys.
About to start getting ready for a 150l rum batch. I have three 30l fermenters ready to strip. I want to save the backseat for the big batch. I will use the drums as described but is it worth reusing the funded/yeast bed? I can't find anywhere on how to store it? Would the same cube sanitised work?
Cheers Ben

[TheMechwarrior]

So you store your backset in these drums unrefrigerated?

[Zak Griffin]

If it's kept airtight, it should be all good :)

[TheMechwarrior]

Great news!
I was worried about fridge space.

[bt1]

Just before you get all excited... do your self a fave....taste it before adding to a wash...I sincerely doubt you'll use it after that.

No infections, qualiy food grade container, no air... but seriously backset changes when stored :handgestures-thumbdown:

bt1

[TheMechwarrior]

So you're saying...use the backset ASAP, I can do that :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Dusty_ben]

Would a couple weeks be ok? Just waiting for a couple heaters