What containers are safe to store above 90 percent alcohol

by **Valoren** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:06 pm

Hey guys, I know glass is inert and can store your uncut booze safely but what plastics are safe, I have several food grade plastic drums I use as fermenters, I don't have the cash to shell out of tons of glass carboys so I'm wondering what plastic's are safe to store ethanol at 93 percent. I don't want to go poisoning myself through chemicals leaching into my stuff!

by **MacStill** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:09 pm

Valoren wrote:so I'm wondering what plastic's are safe to store ethanol at 93 percent. I don't want to go poisoning myself through chemicals leaching into my stuff!

My guess would be "none" ;-)

by **BackyardBrewer** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:11 pm

No plastics at all. Glass jars if the spirit isn't in contact or anywhere near the lid but no way you can store 90% in any kind of plastic. I use flagons or wine bottles and never fill to the top.

Even 50-60% alc would be stripping chemicals out into your booze from the plastic, it's a solvent not a food at this strength and isn't meant for food grade anything.

by **kiwikeg** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:15 pm

Glass or stainless steel mate. It's a fire risk too

by **Valoren** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:20 pm

Know any places near Penrith NSW to get glass jars, demijohns or bottles in bulk for cheap?
I'm going to need a LOT of glasswear

by **Valoren** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:30 pm

What about those plastic bottles they sell you at the home brew joint to store spirits in?

by **Sam.** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:59 pm

Valoren wrote:What about those plastic bottles they sell you at the home brew joint to store spirits in?

No, just because a plastic is food grade that doesn't mean you can store a solvent in there.

Like said, glass or stainless and you can't go wrong, could use ceramic pots etc, but that would be a pain.

The 5L demi's from a brew shop are good :handgestures-thumbupleft:

by **kingy** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 6:11 pm

Is it ok to store 40% alc in plastic?
would long neck bottles be a good option?
I'm saving wine bottles I know they'd be good.

What about low wines after stripping, can you just keep them in a plastic fermenter and keep topping it up as you strip a wash.

by **SBB** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 6:13 pm

If you really need to store that much a 50L stainless keg would be the go, Do remember that at that strength it very flammable, I think its also considered poison at that strength as well, You'd want to keep it under lock and key in case some one helps them self or kids get into it.

by **bear74** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:11 pm

i think these are a great alternative to glass, kegs or plastic mate! ss jerry cans

by **BackyardBrewer** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:21 pm

bear74 wrote:i think these are a great alternative to glass, kegs or plastic mate! ss jerry cans

Got a linky & price? What's the volume?

by **bear74** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:24 pm

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Jerry-Can-St ... _615wt_689
they are 20L and cost around $80

by **BackyardBrewer** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:51 pm

bear74 wrote:http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Jerry-Can-Stainless-Steel-TAP-/170909261738#ht_615wt_689
they are 20L and cost around $80

Thumbs Up brother!

by **crow** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 11:58 pm

Yes as already mentioned be careful who may have access to such high proof stuff and make sure its addaquetly labeled. That being said I like earthenware crocks and demijohns , they insulate and keep the light out :handgestures-thumbupleft:

by **funkyphill** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 12:13 am

Those stainless jerry cans with a tap are fantastic!

by **bt1** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 9:14 am

Howdy,

given 90 abv potential to bang and flammability I'm not sure storing is the best option. Is there a reason it can't be cut back to under 70% ?

if you have to, given the risks SS would be better.

bt1

by **Camikaze** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 10:34 am

Those are very cool Bear, nice find. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

by **rustee** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 6:39 pm

You can buy ss kegs from keg king. I got 2 30litre kegs delivered for under 100 bucks.

by **kelbygreen** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 6:43 pm

Shit thats cheap 30lt kegs are very rare and usually go for heaps. Infact LHBS guy said if I find any under $180 grab them or he will lol

If you mean 19lt kegs thats still cheap would be pinlocks but still good price and if thats delivered then, How did you score that

by **rustee** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 7:01 pm

Yep 30l european kegs u-type spears. Just give keg king a ring in Vic.