Must I block air from the Must (see what I did there)?

[anakeimai]

At the end of the summer I intend to have another go at elderberry wine as I'm hoping for a bumper crop this year.

In the recipes I've looked at, a few suggest that once you've made the initial must, you should initially cover it - very closely to the top of the mixture to stop the air getting to it.

I have a 5 gallon drum which is where my potions usually start life, but typically I've never done this - I'd whack in the mixture, leave it a day as is, whack in the yeast and leave it to do its thing before transferring to a demijohn after a week or so.

Should I be sent to the back of the class?

 

[WVMountaineerJack]

I just use a cloth held in place by a bungee in my elderberry primaries, what they describe is more like for white wine making, whack it all in there and stir the whack out of it. WVMJ

 

[anakeimai]

Many thanks - that helps!

 

[Sammyk]

One does need to stir daily too. A cloth to keep out bugs etc is easy to remove for daily stirring.

 

[WVMountaineerJack]

I went to a place called strapworks that makes custom straps and got some double d ring elastic straps made up for our 10 gal brutes, cheap and easy to use so its no hassle taking them on and off. WVMJ

 

[jswordy]

Another place to look for straps to hold on your cloth is in Health & Beauty at Wal-Mart. Buy some of those large elastic straps used for hairdos - work great!

I usually just cover my smaller primary with a towel. It's heavy enough to seal out gremlins.

 

[Sammyk]

Jim I think you are talking about pony tail holders. The men most likely would not know what to look for or ask for. LOL!