Expert: Chris Bushman - 1/9/2009

Question
I've just purchased my first beer brewing kit.  It came with a five gallon glass carboy for secondary fermenting.  Can I use a plastic water jug for secondary fermenting?  I'd like to get two batches going without the added expense of a second carboy.  Thanks.

Answer
Absolutely, Chris!

Just make sure that you get one of those fermentation lock adapters that works with plastic carboys.

BTW the glass carboys are going to be hard to find soon since the one manufacturer in Mexico has stopped making them.

When using the glass carboys, make sure that you are VERY careful, sometimes when they break they cause extreme injury to the brewer. There are carboy straps that make handling easier.

The main thing to remember, no matter what fermentation vessel you use, is to be extremely careful with your sanitation. Bleach and plastic are not good friends. I use Star San and had have great results for the last 10 years. It's a little harder to sanitize plastic instead of glass because the scratches that show up with plastic can hide bacteria and that sort of stuff. Just be careful and you'll be fine.

Don't hesitate to ask more questions. As a beginner you will have lots and I'm happy to help.

Chris Bushman
Colfax, California