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Storage headspace

PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:00 am
by MattSmith
Is headspace a consideration when aging? I've been using stainless kegs of various sizes with dominoes. I know there's downsides to them but the upsides outweigh them for me.

I've got some 3.6L and 5L kegs and need something bigger. The options are 10L and 20L. 20 is a bit big but the price isn't much more than the 10's. If I put 10L (of say, banana rum) in a 20L keg and left it would the extra headspace cause any issues?

Re: Storage headspace

PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:13 am
by bluc
In glass /stainless steel headspace is good and the headspace should be "refreshed" from time to time. Oxygen plays a large part in making authentic tasting spirit . :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: Storage headspace

PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:17 am
by MattSmith
Thanks. I'm still stuck in the beer world where oxygen is something to be avoided. Looks like I'm getting some 20's.

Re: Storage headspace

PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 6:23 pm
by Scamp
Hi all, I have also been wondering about this.
I have a couple of 8L mini kegs that plan to put about 6L in for ageing, working on the theory of about 1/4 volume for headspace, does this sound like enough.

Is there a certain ratio people use or is more just a case of if there is less room just open the container and air it a bit more often.

Re: Storage headspace

PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2023 10:40 pm
by harold01
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neutral in 2.5lt wood keg temp cycled for eleven days, no head space

Re: Storage headspace

PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 12:19 pm
by bluc
Scamp 1/4 is heaps 1l air space should be enough just give it a shake and open and exchange the air in headspace once month or so(if ageing 12mnths+)

Re: Storage headspace

PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:26 pm
by Scamp
Thanks Bluc, good to know.