10 replies to this topic

[jerzy_s]

So I figured rather than using a bunch of small volume top-off bottles - perhaps a better approach would be an adequately large variable volume container?
My goal is to have enough wine on the side for both - topping off and comparison tasting while barrel aging wine.

First I run into the Wine-on-tap, http://www.midwestsu...m-fermtech.html that although affordable with 3 bags included and extras bags at $4 each, seems impractical for storing multiple different kinds of wine unless you buy a complete unit for each wine you want to store.
The plastic bags just don't seem strong enough to be stored outside of the bucket.

So then I run into these Rum Runners, that are advertised (and indeed appear to be) very strong on their own, equally affordable,
http://www.amazon.co...37013101&sr=8-3
and designed to withstand rigors of alcohol storage. And of course food grade.
http://www.rumrunnerflasks.com/

Question:
Has any of you tried either solution for this purpose?

[Tomer1]

I use beer bottles with caps. good for 1-2 years and you can bottle the wine safely even if its still a bit gassy.

[MalibuVines]

I use a karny keg for topping. I've accumulated a handful and they keep all my topping wine from 5 gals to a few liters very fresh. You can buy a complete setup for less than $100 if you shop around.

[bret]

What an awesome find on the RumRunner flasks! Thanks for sharing.

I also have searched high and low for a good "variable capacity" type of container suitable for storing topping off wine in, and this looks like it is perfect for that. I have plenty of bottles in various sizes, but they will almost always end up with a headspace.

This is on my shopping list now.

-Bret

[rpage53]

I use plastic pop bottles. You can squeeze the sides to exclude all air before you put the cap back on. But then I keep them in the fridge, so I'm not sure whether there might be some oxidation issues after a year at room temperature. That's a possible issue with the Run Rummer flasks as well.

Rick.

[Olustee bus]

I plan on using varying vessels (gallon, half gallon, 1.5 liter bottle, .750 liter bottles along with enough marbles to fill to top.

[Doyle]

I also use Corny Kegs. Very convenient. The only thing you have to be careful of is any wine that is still in the hose. After talking to Greg, I realized that the clear food grade hose is oxygen permeable. So, if you have a Corny sitting around for a month, it is possible that the wine in the hose itself is oxidized. I now always smell and taste my topping wine before adding it to any barrel. If it is bad, I push out and dump about a half glass to clear the hose and then retaste.

[jerzy_s]

I use a karny keg for topping. I've accumulated a handful and they keep all my topping wine from 5 gals to a few liters very fresh. You can buy a complete setup for less than $100 if you shop around.

I looked at corny kegs but if I see it right, you still would need one keg per wine, which means that the wine-on-tap at $20 per wine would be a cheaper solution.

[Brett C.]

I use wine bags from boxed wine. The ones from Franzia are good for several months before the wine becomes noticably oxidized. There are different grades of these, and some are better than others. I get mine free from a local restaraunt, but you can get them online also. They're a bit larger than the Rumrunner ones shown, and are available in low ox-transfer versions. Check out Schoelle:
http://www.scholle.c...s/wine-spirits/
I don't know where to buy these new, but you can always buy wine in a box and keep the bag.
The spouts pull out and snap back in fairly easily for cleaning/re-use.

[jerzy_s]

Topic update:
I am happy to report that the 'Rum Runners' containers I was experimenting with, have proven to be excellent for wine storage for this purpose. They clean easily - even if there is sediment on the bottom and they are very tough - I stepped on a full one by accident and nothing happened.
Wish they made them in larger sizes still, but they work well.
Long term storage in these is still to be tested - but the 3 months so far had no adverse effect on the wine.

[Fishrmn703]

Topic update:
I am happy to report that the 'Rum Runners' containers I was experimenting with, have proven to be excellent for wine storage for this purpose. They clean easily - even if there is sediment on the bottom and they are very tough - I stepped on a full one by accident and nothing happened.
Wish they made them in larger sizes still, but they work well.
Long term storage in these is still to be tested - but the 3 months so far had no adverse effect on the wine.

Just placed an order. Thanks for bringing these up. I'm anxious to try them out.