Expert: Dave Nyce - 4/14/2008

Question
I just bottled my first batch of beer, and the directions were unclear so i accidentally added the dextrose after i siphoned the beer into the bottles. Everything up until then i am pretty sure i did fine, i am just wondering how much of a difference this mistake will make. (it was a Australian Lager mix) I hope it still works out, if not i already have another batch started.

Answer
It should be OK as long as you added the correct amount per each bottle.  It's usually about 3/4 cup sugar (dextrose, or corn sugar, or malt, etc) per 5 gallons of wort, so the amount for each bottle would be small.

If you put in too much sugar by mistake, excessive pressure could build and burst the bottles.

Hope this helps!

Dave