Some time ago, I produced a series of videos, with my son's help, on bottling. Since I was talking about the bottling process anyway, I decided to repost them here.
As with any part of the brewing process, sanitation is the key. Anything that touches your beer must be sanitary. That includes the bottles and caps. I won't tell you what to use, everyone has their opinion, But, use something.
I've always been big on saving money. You don't have to use actual brewing equipment to brew. I do fine with stuff I get cheap, or free. The one piece I find essential, though, is a bottle filler. You can bottle without one. But, since it only costs about $2.50, it won't break the bank.
To produce CO2, the bubbles we enjoy when we drink our beer, we need to add a small amount of sugar. The yeast eat this, and produce carbon dioxide.
The source of the sugar can vary. Possibilities include dextrose (corn sugar), sucrose (table sugar), corn syrup, malt extract, honey. Opinions vary on which is best, and, um, I don't have one. Use what you feel most comfortable with.
There is also a difference of opinion on when you add the sugar. Either add it all at once in a separate bucket, then fill the bottles; or, fill all the bottles, then add a small amount to each bottle. I've done both, and I can see advantages to each.
I've been brewing since 1989, and only one time have I had a problem with unwanted bacteria getting into my beer. That was the one time I forgot to sanitize my bottlecaps. So, I guess it's important.
The capper you use is a matter of personal choice. I really like this one. Others prefer something different. We're all right.
So, your beer is done, in bottles, and capped. Uh, where do you put it? For years, I just had a pile of cases in the corner of the living room. One year, for my birthday, my wife got me a cabinet to store my bottles in. (I suspect it was actually for herself.)
This cabinet has room for 20 sixpacks. I don't drink very fast, so it lasts a good long time. And, with all the bottles in sight, I can easily tell when I'm running low.
There are two VERY important reasons for cleaning up after yourself. You'll want to do this again, won't you? So, let's make sure everything is ready for the next brewing session.
And, if you have a roommate, wife, or Significant Other, you need to keep him or her happy. In homebrewing circles, the wife is often referred to as SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed). Household peace will make your brewing, and beer, much more enjoyable.
I've seen a great deal about cleaning. What solutions, chemicals, equipment, brushes, etc to use. Again, use what you feel most comfortable with and what works best for you. I soak my bottle for several days in a weak bleach solution, and never use a brush. This works well for me.
Remember, keep everything sanitary!
Why go through all that? This is why! To have beer that you crafted yourself; to taste flavors that either aren't available off the shelf, or cost way too much.
In my opinion, it just tastes better if you made it.
