Neutral Spirit Storage

[That_guy]

How are people storing their spirits once distilled?
I understand some people are really into their barrels for oaking/aging (I'm not there yet for my whiskey/rum and this is focussed on neutral)
For everyone else who isn't using barrels what are you using?

I currently have a collection of 3 litre kmart wide mouth swing top glass bottle/jars... but I don't know how paranoid to be about the plastic seal on these bottles.
Furthermore I made a recent impulse buy when one of these - https://www.costanteimports.com.au/demi ... ap54l.html popped up on marketplace real cheap.
It has a small plastic/silicone seal at the base where the glass/ss tap join.
Would this be suitable for storing neutral spirit?
If not, does anyone have any suggestions for storing neutral spirit? (barrels are no good in this scenario)

Thanks

[Roo]

I am new to this game, still getting hardware together so yet to create any neutral spirit, but I have been wondering the same myself.

I noticed that Jessie on the Still It youtube channel swapped out a seal on a large swing top jar with another one seal, not sure what it was or where to get it. But I have been meaning to look into it.

The other thing I have seen is "Wine/Spirit" storage tanks, but they seem to have valves at the bottom. Not sure what the valve seats are made of, so long(ish) term storage of neutral seems problematic.

Sorry I am not much help, but I hope someone has some helpful hints.

It seems expensive, but I did see like small milk can type drums that didn't have lower valves, but you would need to siphon product out or lift and tip it.

[edit] Here is a link to the $$$ version https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09D3BDH99 ... title&th=1

[Buj]

I use 5lt Demijohns, usually less than $20, and replaced the rubber seals with Silicone ones from 5 Star.
I've also got a descent collection of spirit bottles, collected from mates.

[Roo]

I use 5lt Demijohns, usually less than $20, and replaced the rubber seals with Silicone ones from 5 Star.

That must be reasonably cost effective and easy to handle when full.

It isn't clear to me about the recommendations with seals...

Is it considered OK to use silicone for a lid seal, but not in a flooded valve? (like the bulkhead seal for a valve at bottom of tank)

[hjubm2]

I usually use 50L beer kegs with the spear removed. Use a 2" tri-clamp & blank plate/gasket to seal it up. Works well & can add a tri-clamp tap if required

[Buj]

I picked up 3x 19lt Corny Kegs for around $95 on FB Marketplace.
Just make sure they remove the spear for you as they may need a special tool and are a pain in the arse to remove due to a security clip of some sorts. Guy tried to sell me a tool for $80 but I'd only buy if he'd remove the spears first.
I'll just repurpose the SS tube part for another project.

As hj mentioned I use a flat silicone seal and 2" end cap & Tri Clamp as well.

I haven't worried about taps/valves yet as I have a SS Syphon that works a charm.

A few pics of the 19lt and a standard 20lt keg.
The kegs were mainly bought for Feints storage.

The 3lt Kmart open top jars are great for macerating fruits. I removed the rubber seal and just use plain paper towel as a seal for the glass lid.

Demijohns are good for collecting low wines from a stripping run as well. Just make sure you label stuff so you don't forget what's in what.

[Roo]

The 50l keg option (even the corny with that 2in collar) looks viable.

Can you post a pic of the syphon? I see that you can get "gas assisted" syphon, that might make access a little easier. What is the wisdom on using a transfer pumo like linked with high ABV neutral https://5stardistilling.com/product/sip ... sfer-pump/

I could elevate the storage tank, but what tap/valve would be safe? I ask because the valve seats/seal you be immersed long term.

[Buj]

Hi Roo,

It's just a simple syphon that primes with several jiggles up & down to start process.
No need for taps/valves.
I bought this to transfer from Fermenters to 20lt Carboy for stripping runs.

I've been contemplating the electric syphon but I'm settled on this for the moment as it works great. I'm only making Neutrals with Corn Flakes Whisky washes.

I use a clamp to hold the syphon at the correct level during transfer so no hard matter (trub) goes through it.

I can't offer advice on taps/valves as I don't use them. My Fermenter tap ports are plugged up with flat seals as well.

I'm only 10 months into the hobby and still learning. I figured whilst I was learning I should get all my 'vessels' in order.

I've got 8x 5lt Demijohns and they are worth their weight in gold. All my runs go though them (stripping/hearts/feints). Excess then goes to the kegs for storage.

[Roo]

Thanks mate, I am trying to get my ducks in a row before/while getting the still sorted. hence all the (perhaps stoopid) questions :)

[RuddyCrazy]

I also use 5 litre demi's for aging my AG Whisky :handgestures-thumbupleft: now I did get rid of the closures on my demi's and I just get a paper towel and fold it half and in half again put it over the demi top and use duct tape to make a reusable lid. This way the angels get a share and no critter can in to get wasted :laughing-rolling:

Now when I do make AG I ferment on the grain so I made a 30 micron SS filter and use a 3/8" siphon and yea it does take it's time but I do get a boiler full every time. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

With a clear wash one of those 12 volt surejet pumps gets the boiler full in under 10 minutes :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Cheers Bryan

[Buj]

Been there before mate, glad to help :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Don't forget cut jars. I use 300ml Kmart Mason Jars, filled with cuts from 250ml Cylinder measuring tube for spirit runs.
They're around $5.50 for 6 (mason jars). I have 30 of these labelled (1 to 30) and all used most of time.
Deeply regret throwing out all those pasta sauce jars for the past few years :angry-banghead:

[RuddyCrazy]

For cut jars I just use moccona coffee jars, peel off the plastic seal then after taking the cut put the lid back on which let the angels have their share and no critters can in :handgestures-thumbupleft:

The standard size moccona jars are around 500ml and the big jars a litre which are good for aging small runs also the smaller ones are great for making tintures too

Cheers Bryan

[TheRealMrMessy]

Combo of barrels, 12x 5L demis (most commonly used), 6x cornys (when not in use with beer etc), 12x 4L (holding finished products before committing to an aging method) and 2x 50L kegs (low wines usually).

Barrels, I've got (all US oak) a 5x bad motivators, a few 5L cheapo jobs out of china (that still work fine), 2x single use 10L wine barrels from beerco, a brand spanky 25L from adelaide oak barrels. Despite all the barrels I'll still age on staves because some of these barrels are onto third use. Give them an oak hit then let them mellow for a while. Most are empty right now sadly, save for 3x bad motivators (2yo gen 5 rum, 2yo bourbon and rye mix, 2yo corn mash and rum generation 3 50/50 blend) and one of the cheapo 5L barrels (used many times with port, currently got an irish whiskey freshly in).

Cuts, I've just got 30ish 500ml jars but usually do rolling cuts so they only come in handy when holding tails to find anything interesting the next day.