Never Brew with a Balloon (why balloons are bad for your brews of wine, cider and mead)

[@pauldacus4590]

2:30 "bugs, hair, dander, dust.." speak for yourself! Cat fur, fingernails, and spider eggs are all an essential part of my balloon airlock brews!

[@CitySteadingBrews]

lol, good luck with that.

[@RobKinneySouthpaw]

Before I got my airlocks, I rubber banded a double layer of shrink wrap over the bottle with a pin hole through it near the edge of the bottle. I would then stretch the balloon neck over that and rubber band the whole thing down. Another pinhole in the balloon itself, and I had a fairly effective one way valve with food grade layer for condensate. This was just for my first batch or two of cider while I decided whether I wanted to jump onto the hobby. Made for a more educated first trip to my local HBS.

[@TomThacker]

I used a rubber glove with a rubber band once. At some point during fermentation, it started waving, which was cute in a novelty sort of way. The brew, a hard lemonade, came out OK. Now I use an airlock or a cap. Just a whole lot less to worry about.

[@armedbear529]

People like to use balloons because they feel like they’re winning a carnival game as it inflates.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

LOL

[@pedrovergara7594]

@@nb4749 well, now that is a perfectly valid reason to use them.

[@kratomseeker5258]

nah i think they just like easy fast alternatives.

[@Muza1616]

@@kratomseeker5258 I disagree I would choose a middle finger over a air lock anyday

[@jasonfaber1463]

@@Muza1616 how bout the pinky instead of the middle finger. We all know what the pinky means if given back if one gets the middle finger.

[@paulallerston3771]

All good points. Never used balloons and I hadn't even considered the fact that they're not "food items"... they put some pretty nasty stuff in so-called food and call it safe, so what the hell would they put in "not-food"? Terrifying

[@CitySteadingBrews]

So very true my friend. I see LOTS of people using them and lots of people PROMOTING using them.... it's not only gross, it's potentially hazardous.

[@BronzeTheSling]

Do not appreciate the language, biut otherwise you hit the nail on the head.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

The language?

[@FunkyFyreMunky]

Hell, you don't even need a jar of sanitiser fluid for a "poor man's airlock". Just take a short length of tubing, coil it so it loops a couple of times, tie it so it won't unwind and pour a drop of your sanitiser into it. Boom: airlock.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yeah, when I do blowoff tubes I just use water as they are only for a day or two usually.

[@shellmatheis5258]

"Do these balloons blow up into funny shapes?" " Well, no. Unless round is funny. "

[@DukeTrout]

Sorry, not an airlock question. I have a stuck mead brew. I would love some advice on getting it unstuck. Details: One gallon brew in a brown glass carboy, started April 25, 2020. ~3lbs wildflower honey, mint leaves on stem from our garden (frozen overnight), a tablespoon of lime zest (also frozen), 6 tablespoons turbinado sugar, 1/2 packet Lalvin EC-1118 yeast. Original gravity = 1.103. First gravity reading after on 5/16: 1.030. Then on 5/26 : 1.012. Then on 6/7: 1.000. On 6/13 gravity was 0.998, so I step fed it to 1.010 by extracting a pint or so of the brew with the turkey baster into a jar with ~125 g of honey, mixed it thoroughly, poured it carefully back into the carboy, sitirred the brew, then measured the gravity. On 6/20, the gravity was 1.007 and I step fed it to 1.026 (same method). On 6/27, gravity = 1.021, step fed to 1.038. By my calculations, that should total out to enough sugar to exceed the alcohol tolerance of the yeast plus enough points for a semi-sweet brew, so I’m done step feeding. 7/4, gravity = 1.035. 7/11, gravity = 1.034 (and that’s if I squint real hard to see the difference from 1.035). I’m hoping it picks back up for my next measurement, but if it’s stuck at 1.035, what do you recommend?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Well, it didn't go dry inbetween step feeds, that's your first clue something is amiss. Not sure what you're really after here, but 1.035 is probably darn tasty mead at the roughly 16% that you got it to. What are you trying to do exactly?

[@DukeTrout]

CS Brews I’m probably trying to do too much. :) I just wanted to get it to the safe alcohol tolerance of the EC-1118 and leave enough residual sugar for some sweetness. It’s supposed to be a “mojito” mead, so I wouldn’t mind a fairly high ABV. That said, I started a subsequent batch with everything else the same, but Lalvin 71B that hopefully won’t run into similar issues.

[@DukeTrout]

Also, thank you for your reply. As always, I appreciate your guidance. :)

[@pedrovergara7594]

Poor man's airlock is definitely the way to go. Never had a problem with those.

[@menachemdavid3535]

I’ve always used air-locks or a blow off hose. Some of my brews have had very active fermentations. Resulting in catastrophic failure of the air lock. 5 gallons of wert can propel an airlock 20 ft. If I suspect a brew will be over active I will use a blow off hose. They work great and are real easy to setup.

[@elumbra]

You pointed out some good info that I never thought of with balloons. I would choose to open ferment (with a towel to keep out bugs) over a balloon any day of the week. Balloons are definitely gross.

[@Vykk_Draygo]

Can confirm. I have two meads under my desk. Three fruits flies are bobbing in the airlock of one.

[@RuthlessAntagonist]

To make a cheap airlock is by getting tubes and a cup of water. Cut a hole in a cap that fits or drill in a cork, stuffing the tube in, seal it off, letting it dangle from the top and off the side, then eith the other end rest it in cup of water. The co2 bubbles can escape easier

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yup, we call that a blowoff tube. Same idea.

[@jasonfaber1463]

Thank you for the tip, I bought a pack of balloons and now you changed my mind on their use.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Glad I could help!

[@bendempsey8553]

What about a sanitized foil balloon filled with CO2? To prevent oxidisation during sampling, moving or cold crashing?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Not really necessary and seems like more trouble than it's worth. :)

[@MrMoa-lv4lm]

Hey cs brews ! how about a plastic refrigerator bag though?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Why not just use an airlock? Easier, better, more reliable.

[@mikes.1882]

My imagination says the same thing can happen in an airlock, but what do I know

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Airlocks are food safe, meant to do that exact job, so.... while it might seem that way, really it's not the same at all.

[@shawnbrooks1535]

it makes sense. I did however leave the balloon on due to the fact that it was more to see tha tit was stil producing gass than anything. The lid is on as well and tight enough it squeaks if you are listening when enough pressure builds up to vent. BUT my balloon has gone limp even after swirling. that mean the fermentation done as its not producing more gas?

[@Theweirdshack]

How do You feel about a 5 litre plastic bottle, cheese cloth under the plastic lid and the lid with a small hole in it?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I would prefer glass and an airlock.

[@Theweirdshack]

thanks dude im getting a food bucket and airlock @@CitySteadingBrews

[@EricCheVe]

Well, ballons are not food but u have to put the tip in ur mouth in order to inflate them so theres not really an issue with the material they are made of (In Europe at least), in the other hand they can explode.. so yeah.. Will avoid those on my first try... Thanx for the tip

[@PlasmaOne]

So rubber band a food safe glove instead

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Why not use an airlock?

[@PlasmaOne]

@@CitySteadingBrews I think the idea behind a balloon is that they already have one on hand and won't have to wait or make a trip anywhere. You probably have some food prep gloves in the kitchen. Im assuming its just so people can try it out and see if they even want to get into the hobby.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I still do not recommend it. Airlocks are simply better and super cheap. Even a blowoff is a better idea.

[@aslamnoori]

You're absolutely right. While I could not buy locks in my country, I made a few by myself which is not a big deal. Simply getting a tube which may be bought from any medical store " Saline Drip" set. Neat and clean tube from which one may make dozens of airlocks. What exactly is to meant to be an airlock is to release CO2 and let not enter oxygen or foreign body or anything inside. Period.

[@elricthebald]

No CS Brews us complete without a 'Brian rant'. With a 100% rant it must be 'complete'. 😜

[@CitySteadingBrews]

lol

[@Isheian]

So what’s your opinion of the silicon bungs? I was thinking of them for conditioning.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

For conditioning they are ideal. For primary? Not a fan really. No entertainment value!

[@starlight4649]

Ok but what if I use a jumbo balloon attached to the top of an airlock because I like to know what the gas volume is?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Gas is so compressible it would still be nigh impossible to measure the actual volume with a balloon. :)

[@laurencerusson62]

I AGREE WITH YOU BUT YOU COULD WASH THE BALLOON OUT OR YOU COULD TURN IT INSIDE OUT AND WASH ?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Still not food safe.

[@sweet1lew1968]

Been using loosened cap method but storing inside a plastic tote w: lid (that I sanitized) for extra layer protection... against critters and bombs... also keeps it warm and dark... so far made wine and a couple hard iced teas ...awesome

[@Alwis-Haph-Rytte]

12 half gallon juice jugs fit in a chest cooler and the lid closes, but don't seal it. (I'm sure you know/understand this, but others may read) If it is the gasket type lid, just lay a clean wash rag on it and let the lid close, but don't latch it. I use the cheap plastic chest coolers, no gaskets, so no need for a wash rag. Overflows are easy to clean up. It fills with CO2, keeps the temp constant and everything is dark. You don't have to do 12 at once, just add to and take out as needed. I also use a salt brined coffee filter over the loose cap and put a rubber band around it below the neck lip as an added protection from bugs. Caps can still be turned because every thing is loose. I have a smaller but tall like the chest coolers for my bottle bombs. I'm moving a gallon of gruit beer to the fridge this morning. I'll have the bomb squad on standby when I transport, LOL

[@scottspivey4296]

What would happen if you put real fruit in with the fruit juice? Will the real fruit mildew and make make the wine poisonous to drink? I just made some but my girl had me throw in some strawberries with it and I was wanting to see if it confirm it with the strawberries inside the fruit juice bottle?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Of course you can use real fruit. We do it all the time.

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

Never even considered using a balloon. My grandmother’s old-fashioned fermentation vessel had an airlock corked into the lid (it was a ceramic sauerkraut vat) and I used that until it broke because I dropped it. Now I’m upgrading to carboys and bottles with s-type airlocks. Too many critters around to ever consider anything different.

[@xvii8693]

So basically just put the cap on and then relieve the stress of c02 by unscrewing it by a little once and a while?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Honestly a $3 airlock does the job better. Also keep put any infections and actual bugs.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

You would need to release that pressure a dozen times a day to he honest.

[@modhail6908]

Closest thing I used to a balloon were pure latex "gloveless fingers" (Individual fingers, like mini-condoms). They're used over bandaids in food industry, so must conform to food standards. Rinsed them out thorougly before use. That was on my first brew. Second and following brews were all airlocks. Never using anything else again.

[@JSP1234-m6g]

Baloon is not a problem. No chemical is going to drain from the baloon.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Balloons are not recommended but you can do as you wish. 👍

[@darkwater234]

The balloon idea has me wondering. The balloon pushes back on the escaping gases. Could a closed, but elastic system like a balloon cause more gases to be dissolved in the liquid? Where's Bill Nye when you need him??

[@dakotanewcombe7843]

I've only made 5 batches of mead since I started a year and a half ago, so I dont have much in the way of experience. But my first two brews were done in plastic jugs with a balloon as the airlock. Batch 1 was honestly disgusting and had a distinct latex taste. Batch 2 I washed the balloon throughly and then sanitized it, and it turned out much better. Batches 3-5 I've used an actual airlock and I was floored at how much better they turned out. I got my airlock off amazon. It came with a one gallon carboy, rubber stopper, and a packet of lalvin ec1114 yeast for about 25 bucks. Anyone who wants to make their own alcohol should definitely spring for legitimate equipment if they want the best product.

[@brewtuber2369]

I need to ask you a question Brian if you don't mind I usually use glass carboys when I make my Mead 3 days ago I bought a 2 gallon plastic fermenting bucket and made my Mead well yesterday its still doesn't have no pressure in the airlock I opened it up and it looks like it's fermenting but I added K1 v1116 and this morning is still doesn't have any back pressure in the airlock so what am I doing wrong would you have any suggestions

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Buckets don't always seal. If it looks like there is fermentation... no need to add more yest. The airlock just isn't receiving pressure. I don't love buckets for this reason, but there's no harm.

[@eeyore_chick6059]

I agree. Balloons are for birthday parties, yard sale signs, etc. I will happily keep using my airlocks

[@CitySteadingBrews]

LOL, yup.

[@ilchickentv340]

Thanks, I'm just starting out and I've been using balloons. I like the fact that I don't have to keep a bunch of specialty equipment lying around for if and when I start a new brew, especially because I'm not even sure how long I'm planning to keep this up. If I do get sucked into this long term I'll definitely get some proper air locks.

[@27zothansanga63]

okay i first decided to do a little reserch before i brew....well i prefer to order airlock after your video, thank you and happy brewing.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Research is always good :)

[@warrendaniels1383]

Hi. Do you perhaps have a recipe for fennel mead?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

There are very few vegetable both Derica and I dislike, fennel is one. Love fennel seeds though. Sorry, no, we don't have a recipe for fennel mead and aren't likely to do it anytime soon.

[@thesledshop1917]

NOT SURE AS TO WHY ANYONE WOULD DISLIKE THIS VIDEO

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I burst their... balloons?

[@thesledshop1917]

@@CitySteadingBrews HI BRIAN, YOU GUYS HAVE SOME OF THE BEST VIDEOS ON YOU TUBE AND IM PRETTY SURE I HAVE SEEN ALL YOUR VIDEOS AND SOME OF THEM MULTIPLE TIMES . I'M STARTING TO FEEL VERY CONFIDENT MAKING BREWS NOW AND UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT YEAST AND THEIR TOLERANCE . I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO START A YOU TUBE CHANNEL. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVISE I COULD USE MOVING FORWARD? IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS, BRUNO

[@dr.satyam]

Hello sir. I have some questions I watched this after brewing my first mead. I washed the ballon properly and sealed it properly. Sir, I’m using ballon as an air lock with my first mead brew. Is it safe? I open the container once a day to release all the co2. Will opening the lid once a day spoil my mead?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Already answered this exact question you left on another video.

[@gosselinb11]

What could I use for a primary ferment bucket? Cant seem to find a proper lid for it. The guy I got it from told me he just covered it with a plastic bag but this doesnt seem like a good idea... any suggestions?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Most fermentation buckets come with lids.

[@malianeycoen6123]

I'm not the only one who dose the cap method? xD Yay!

[@KoiRun50]

2nd video later. Explained quite clearly why you need an airlock. Thanks!!

[@mustwereallydothis]

Do you never use a three part airlock? They are all I ever use. I find them to be much easier to completely clean after each use.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I just prefer the S type. They do the same thing though.

[@mustwereallydothis]

@@CitySteadingBrews do you not find them difficult to clean properly? Especially if you have brew foam up and get into the airlock? I'm probably just too much of a clean freak, but I really prefer to be able to physically scrub all the surfaces that may come in contact with my brews. Obviously yours turn out just fine, so I'm clearly over thinking this.

[@danc3693]

I like those better as well for cleaning but I also like the visuals of a 3-piece air lock when the fermentation is active 🙂

[@JoSousa86]

As usual, I had a question and I found the answer in your channel. Thank you for the knowledge 👍

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Happy to help!

[@samanthahurst2132]

I just racked my first ever mead and the bottle I thought it would fit in was too small so I had to put the rest in the only other bottle I had on hand, a clean, sanitized wine bottle. It fits perfectly but I don’t have the appropriate sized bung for this bottle so right now I have a balloon on it. Is there something better I can do?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Sometimes you can only do the best you can in a given situation :)

[@samanthahurst2132]

@@CitySteadingBrews Ain’t that the truth 🙂

[@hotlavatube]

The nice thing about balloons is you can tape a thumbtack to the shelf above your brew so your brew announces when it's ready for racking. ;-) Just kidding, just kidding.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

lol

[@MrBigMSG]

Off topic question: Could you brew a marzen beer on video please. Very interested in the ingredients. I've seen a few vids using different grains. I would like to know what works best. Thank you in advance if it sounds like a good idea.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I'll be honest.... probably not. Beer, in general has the lowest audience interaction on our channel. Lots of beer guys out there do it far better than we do. I do plan on making some odd/historical/unique beers though.

[@MrBigMSG]

@@CitySteadingBrews "historical" brews? Sounds fun. Looking forward to it.

[@ankansarkar6300]

Hey, Some Time Negative Pressure Is Developed Inside The Fermentation Jar...And Then The Airlock Liquid Goes Back inside The Jar... How To Prevent This ??

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Pull the airlock out and put it back in. It's usually temperature changes.

[@handsomedevil7072]

I first use pressure cooker before I bought airlocks, that safety release feature works okay but when wine came out first it was little bit like a champagne lol.

[@Th0rste1n]

Hi Brian and Derica, i need to ask you maybe silly question. i started doing cider from pear juice. i used third of pack of yeast and it started well. but after 5 days it almost stopped bubbling. should i add more yeast or should i wait? i dont want to harm it or waste it

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Did you take readings? It could be done depending on a zillion factors.

[@Th0rste1n]

@@CitySteadingBrews i gave it few more days and it is about 1.001. thank you for quick response and sorry for not putting enough information.

[@tommydale4176]

Just came across your channel and videos. I am interested in starting mead as a hobby, Is there any home brew kits you recommend?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZyUaGiPjdOqqNk They don't really make mead kits. I also kind of disagree with most "kits", lol. That video goes over what you need to get started. We have links in all our video descriptions for items used in them too.

[@ABoMtS]

Thanks for this important informations 2 of my friends using balloons cause it's easier to make since we are from Saudi Arabia and they don't want spent much time making better quality they just want easy alcohol I personally use cup of water Airlock ( sorry don't know what is called in English )

[@handsomedevil7072]

You are right with balloons. But the cap method, problem with that, caps tighten sometimes on their own and bottle can explode.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

That's why we recommend airlocks.

[@jak4724]

I've used balloons never had a problem and never flys off with rubber elastic bands to hold in place 😊but I only used as I didn't have a s shaped airlock and must say a proper air lock is definitely the way to go as me personally have found that if a balloon is used you get a balloony smell and even possible taste that hinders the brew yes they work and yes use them if that's all you got but a proper air lock or a poor man air lock is definitely the way to go happy brewing people 😎🍺

[@CitySteadingBrews]

I'd say a balloon taste in my brew is a problem :)

[@jak4724]

I should have specified no problem regarding balloons flying off a balloon smell or taste in the brew definitely is a problem sorry for the confusion love your channel can't stop watching keep up the good content 🍻 sending love from across the pond 🇬🇧

[@tuhrilla9511]

The first wine I ever made was with a balloon. After the fermentation process was over I thought I would give it a try ; the wine had a nasty bitter note to it and had a flavor "Like the inside of a balloon." I knew from that moment on that I was never going to use a balloon again.

[@frithar]

Using balloons for years.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Just explaining why there is a better way.

[@mr.radical2899]

I never had a problem brewing with ballons.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

And you might never encounter an issue. We just try to give out information about why some things are inherently better to do than others. What you do with that information is up to you. I'd rather not ingest whatever they use inside those balloons personally.

[@MandalorV7]

Well the first mead making video I watched, that prompted me to try a home brew, was the Modern Rogue channel. They used a balloon. Luckily I did some more research, finding your wonderful channel, before starting.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Lots do it, doesn't make it right! Also, they have 2 mead videos, if I recall correctly, we pretty much do this for a living. YMMV.

[@dankauffman8568]

Thanks Brian . Needed to be said .

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Welcome!

[@bateleur1]

There is no problem with using balloons. I for one started out using them until I got air locks. Never have I had any flying off because I made sure to poke a few hole in them to allow the gasses to escape. To me though like you have said it's just more cost effective to buy air locks. Great video as always bro.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

And all the leakage doesn’t bother you...

[@bateleur1]

@@CitySteadingBrews No really but I probably was more lucky that nothing went wrong.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

brian leisure liquid will leech back down into your brew. You likely would be completely unaware.

[@bateleur1]

@@CitySteadingBrews yep its possible it could happen. But like I said I was lucky. Besides I was just getting started and using an old recipe from my great grandmother. It always turn out right. But when I decided to really try making better wine I did some research and got lucky to find your channel. Now I use proper air locks and equipment and yeasts ect.... especially knowing what I no now from watching you. My family and friends can't believe the quality of the mead and wines. They ask about were i learned it i always referred them to you.

[@turnerkatrina8]

Excellent point! I just go Pawpaw style

[@PeterYovich]

Thanks for reminding me that I need to order up a few more airlocks.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Use our links please if you can.

[@bluesoulpaul]

There is a much older method of preventing backflow of gasses - the Bunsen Valve. Invented by Robert Bunsen(1811 - 1899) the same chap who designed the Bunsen Burner familiar to all from school Chemistry lessons. His valve is simply a rubber tube leading from the reaction vessel, stoppered at the other end, with a short slit along its length. This allows gas to escape from the system under pressure while the elasticity of the rubber prevents "sucking back" or backflow into the reaction vessel. A cunning device! I think it has to be rubber as the plastic tubes are too stiff to prevent backflow.

[@louismac1]

just ran down stairs to take the party balloons off my two 5 litter jugs and replace them with the caps

[@mr.d7689]

Solid advice, I ones made cider at the cheapest possible way(freshly picked from trees, bread yeast and 2ltr pop bottles) and guess what I used as an airlock? BALLOONS worst decision in brewing I ever made, horrific results.

[@MaaZeus]

You did not poke holes in them? They are unlikely to fly off if you poke enough pinholes in them. 3 or 4 usually suffices.

[@mr.d7689]

@@MaaZeus no it's just as he said, all the nasty shit still gets in, basically drank poison, just don't do it 😂

[@juanr7018]

Im Guilty of doing this right now. Love the the video.

[@jeffcamp4656]

I've also seen a tube looped around with water or sanitizer in the bottom of the loop

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yup, the poor poor man's airlock.

[@willh7690]

I've been turned onto breathable bungs. They are awesome, maintenance free. Never have to refill them. Little more expensive but well worth it in my opinion.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Sure, but.... I've never had an airlock dry out, I like seeing the pressure/activity, and they are 7 for the price of one.

[@tracychesnutt3660]

My husband just asked about using balloons a couple of days ago. I just went through the "ant incident" recently. Only one got in under the gasket in the fermenter and one was caught in the airlock sanitizer liquid. Airlocks do work but I was a bad mead mommy and was ignoring the mead while it was doing its thing. All is well and many thanks to those who helped a panicking mead mommy! 🤗

[@johndoe1981a]

I wouldn't use a balloon instead of an airlock during fermentation but I would use one when I cold crash a beer. When cold crashing, the lowering temp can pull whatever you have in your airlock into your brew, so one could use a mylar (not latex) balloon filled with CO2 to act as a closed system to keep critters out while not sucking in liquid. If you don't cold crash, this would be a moot point.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

When cold crashing, it's not even necessary to cover it. I just use a bit of plastic wrap usually.

[@johndoe1981a]

@@CitySteadingBrews Plastic wrap would work well and is easier! I am simply suggesting a time when a balloon is used by some brewers and could be used with no ill effect/some benefit.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

With what they are made with, there’s no good time to put them near anything you plan to ingest.

[@johndoe1981a]

@@CitySteadingBrews Mylar (the type of ballon I mentioned above) is a brand name for BoPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate). Mylar and other BoPET films are used to make flexible packaging and lids for the food industry, such as yogurt lids, roasting bags, and coffee foil pouches. Why avoid this material after fermentation is done and no fermentation byproducts are actively being thrown up to "interact" with them?

[@MatoNupai]

Brian; thank you for admitting that the lid unscrewed 1/2 turn will work. About 10 years ago I got a Mr. beer kit without an airlock, and the instructions said to undo the lid a bit for an airlock. Will be first to admit the airlock is the best option. The trick with the lid is second best. A blow off tube in bottle of water , sanitizer is the third best because the bottle can be knocked over or lost via evaporation Tubing coiled to fake an airlock is fourth best the tape of rubber band can fail, and there is only a tiny amount of water in it. Balloons or confom IS THE WORST

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Of course it works, it's just more risky.

[@MatoNupai]

I don't think I said it was either risk free or the best option. I just want home brewers just starring out and don't have all the tools to know it IS a viable option. We want as many home brewers as we can get because we can't trust the government not to do something stupid. The more people active in this hobby the better.

[@MatoNupai]

When I said we can't trust the government; I was thinking of two things. 1. Overturning our right to home brew. 2. Taxing us on the alcohol in our brews Brian I literally cringed when you would go on a rant "GET AN AIRLOCK! IT'S LIKE $2!" We want MORE homebrewers! Not less!

[@MatoNupai]

Brian; let me lay two home brewing tips on you. 1. Use vegetable glycerin in the airlock instead of water or sanitizer solution. I learned this tip 25 years ago when I bought s book of 100+ recipes VG won't evaporate. Big help in Arizona. 2. Switch from Fleishmans dry yeast to Fleishmans rapid rise (instant) yeast. You can use a LOT LESS yeast. You can get a whole pound of it on Amazon for only $11:30. You can also a pound of LeSaffre yeast for $8.86 (gold label) higher sugar tolerance for $8.86. I haven't used the LeSaffre yeast but the Fleishmans works great. I need less than 1/4 tsp to ferment almost 1/2 gallon of must.

[@Alf_4]

I've only ever used saran wrap with a rubber band and pinhole. and that's only because I didn't have a bung to fit that particular bottle

[@LanaDelGato]

thank you! I got balloons but I'm not gonna use them for this now

[@Harimotorsports]

Like you say it's less then 2 bucks

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yup!

[@timothyshank3208]

Prices may vary by location, but even at $20 it's a good investment if you get 2-3 years worth of brewing out of it

[@DanBailey1stDelta]

Thank you

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Anytime!

[@pooyafitness]

You did not mention the fact that nasty gases stay in contact with the brew the whole time instead of going away.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

True.

[@jacobyoung7000]

Because balloons mean PARTY!!! 🎉 🎈 🎈 🎉😊😂😜

[@Dissillusioned_1]

Liked and subscribed

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Thank you!

[@michaele.4702]

My guess on why people are ok with using balloons is depending on the country their balloons could be all-natural latex ones. This can be misleading as you said these are not food grade items and all-natural doesn't mean safe to eat.

[@JOCO1911]

Just like the yeast to the sugar in my mead I am slowly working my way through your videos. That also makes you my sugar

[@jeffclark9500]

For me an airlock is easiest just because I can use the bubbling from them to judge how far along the ferment may be. They seem to have the biggest number of useful benefits and that makes them worth it, even when using the homemade ones.

[@nickoftimes972]

Need to find a way to make airlocks cheaper. Let's be real for a second that it takes $0.05 to produce an airlock.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

While you have a point, everything costs less to make than it's retail value would show. If companies could not make a profit, nothing would be produced.

[@nickoftimes972]

@@CitySteadingBrews they do make a biodegradable latex balloon though that if washed before use it may be viable. Though I do still prefer my airlocks.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

It’s still not a food grade product.

[@TR-Mead]

I've had to use balloons twice recently because the mead and cider was overflowing up into, through and out the air lock, i assume because i used yeast nutrient. The of balloons saved it. I put the air lock back on as soon as it calmed down. Have you ever run into this?

[@CitySteadingBrews]

It's not from using nutrient.... In that case, use a blowoff tube, just a piece of tubing in the bung, going to a mason jar or container of water. If your brew is getting INTO the balloon... you can be sure you're drinking whatever stuff is in that balloon.

[@TR-Mead]

@@CitySteadingBrews Thank you for the reply and the suggestion! The culprits are the capsicumel you guys did a video of, and a habanero mango cider I wanted to experiment with.

[@dakotahlavender]

I'm going to be making my first batch, I am so glad I found this info. I will not be using a balloon, it sounds nasty. 😅 Also, your video made me chuckle. Wish me luck! 🤞

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonyg8184]

Dag nabbit, found the video just a wee bit too late and (stupidly) lost the cap! Oh well, next time...

[@antonioj.2147]

Thanks, just thanks.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

You don't sound too happy about it.

[@antonioj.2147]

@@CitySteadingBrews I am happy to know what to use but I am not so happy beacuse know I have to search for plastic pipes to make a DIY airlock beacuse buying one isn't an option. Your videos have always been very useful to me so thank you.

[@joejoey7272]

1-Can secure balloon and it won’t fly away 2-Prick a hole and it won’t pop 3- substitute balloon with a non lubricanted condom as they are sterile

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Still not a great idea. Sterile does not mean food grade.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Airlocks are like $3 and are pretty foolproof and made for the purpose. It's just a far superior option.

[@Markus__B]

Just need to smell the Ballons to be convinced not to use them. But it can be worse. I saw another type of balloon being used and although these are made for skin contact....

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yep.

[@Count_Mishkah]

You know you watch too much CS Brews when you take a final reading and say to yourself....." I'm ok with that."

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Now that’s funny.

[@krislarsen6546]

I actually use a balloon to put a extra seal the vanilla extract I have.

[@krislarsen6546]

I should mention that I put the balloon on the lid itself so no chance of contamination.

[@blakeb9792]

Crap, it’s so obvious. I should’ve just used common sense. My stopper didn’t fit my 1 gallon carboy so I improvised with a balloon.

[@2brothersrobwillgaming212]

#1 as always.....just fill the balloon with water and have fun...it is that time of the year...lol

[@CantankerousTinkerer]

And then there's those people on KZbin using condoms for airlocks! Not only did I say about the same thing said here about balloons, but the cost of condoms too. He could buy two airlocks for every condom and not have who knows what dripping back into their brew. I'll stick with the 3-piece or S-locks, they've never failed me. Even if they were to be more expensive, I'd still pay the extra. Worth. It.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Yeah, I didn't mention condoms.... they're worse than balloons!

[@vaughngriffiths3148]

"Poor man's air-lock" for the win!.

[@bossalou]

Balloons are not really good for the environment. You can reuse airlocks over and over again. Balloons would just get tossed in the trash after using thus going into the landfills.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

There is that too.

[@donvitocorleone6443]

Open a small hole with a heated needle on the screw cap, and then cover the cap with a Ballon, put a small hole by the needle also in the Ballon.

[@CitySteadingBrews]

Balloons are not food safe…. Still not a great idea. Just use an airlock :)

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

Plastic an Rubber with Alcohol is not good in general

[@threemonic]

TWU

[@johndavis6482]

Kegs home brew under tree ? 2 weeks later tates like banabubblegum...... cleans pony keg finds leaf .....hmmmmm? Cover your lid. ....lol