rootbeer in primary

[lieu]

HELLO ALL
Since I started this "hobbie" about a month ago my daughters have been watching me. I was at my LHBS the other day and picked up a rootbeer extract. I figured I could make that with my girls and they would have fun with it.
Have any of you made this stuff before? It smells great by the way

. I have to add sugar and yeast and water. I was planning on using one of my primaries but got to thinking and wondering if this was a good idea. Should I keep my primaries just for wine? Am I thinking to much???

 

[Rocky]

Bruce,


This root beer sounds interesting. Seems to me if you add sugar and yeast, you are going to get some level of alcohol. Is this some type of "hard" root beer.


As far as using the primary is concerned, there should be no problem as long as you clean and sanitize after using. I use "Oxy-Clean" for cleaning (be sure to rinse immediately and well with hot water) and a K-meta solution for sanitizing.

 

[lieu]

Hey Rocky,
I was thinking the same thing. The directions say that it does'nt make alcohol though. Directions are for 4 gallons
4 gallons water
1/2 to 1 tsp of yeast
1 bottle of extract
8 cups sugar
The directions say to make it then bottle it right away. store it for 3 to 4 days at room temp. then store in cooler dark place for a week but two weeks will improve the flavor.
The name on the extract bottle is OLD FASHION HOMEBREW ROOT BEER. SODA POP BASE.
Has anyone else made this stuff before.

 

[vcasey]

I wouldn't use the primary for both. We have separate primaries for our wine and beer. The reason is root beer has a strong order and that can be difficult to clean out no matter how well you clean. A couple of folks I know keg the root beer and have a keg just for that because it can be very difficult to get the smell out.

 

[Wade E]

I would say the root beer will leave a taste and smell in the primary. It has to make alc!! Yeast converts sugar into abv!!!! It may be miniscule but Id use a hydrometer o see what it actually is producing!!

 

[cpfan]

The idea of these kits is to make it and bottle it immediately. Yes there will be a little alcohol, butthe sugar is more llike priming sugar to create the carbonation.


Root beer has a reputation for fouling plastics with it's taste and aroma. I don't have any personal experience, but I would mix it in a glass carboy.


Steve