Another Newbie Question: Will I Have Bottle Bombs!?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by WildernessMonk, Mar 17, 2021.

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  1. WildernessMonk

    WildernessMonk Devotee (310) Feb 13, 2016 Massachusetts

    I left my beer in the fermentation bucket for 4 weeks and took a final gravity before I started my bottling. My American Pale Ale came in at 5.25 % . I then added 5 ounces of priming sugar to bottling bucket. However, I only added 4 gallons of beer. My question is, will this cause over carbonation? Bottle Bombs? Will it be ok or is there something I could do to avoid explosions or super foamy beer. The beer tasted great when I sampled it during bottling!! Any advice is appreciated!
     
    #1 WildernessMonk, Mar 17, 2021
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Assuming your beer temperature at the end of fermentation was about 68F...

    5 ounces of corn sugar in 4 gallons would yield just under 3 volumes of CO2.
    5 ounces of table sugar in 4 gallons would yield about 3.2 volumes of CO2.

    Those are lively levels of CO2, but I wouldn't normally expect bottle bombs, assuming standard homebrew 12 oz bottles that are not defective.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Mar 17, 2021
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  3. WildernessMonk

    WildernessMonk Devotee (310) Feb 13, 2016 Massachusetts

    I used Sam Adams bottles and I used the priming sugar that came with the kit. I bottled on Sunday and was thinking of trying one Friday. If it taste ok I would pile the rest into the refrigerator and try to explain to my wife why I’m an idiot..lol
     
    #3 WildernessMonk, Mar 17, 2021
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  4. dmtaylor

    dmtaylor Savant (1,149) Dec 30, 2003 Wisconsin

    Yes I would expect gushers or bombs. Monitor carefully over the first 2-3 days (i.e., pop a bottle or two by like tomorrow), and if necessary if you experience gushing, pour all back into a fermenter and let finish before rebottling with new priming sugar.
     
    #4 dmtaylor, Mar 17, 2021
  5. 209Hill

    209Hill Aspirant (248) Dec 22, 2016 Virginia

    I agree with Vikeman, and I'd further recommend opening bottles over the sink .... just in case.
     
    #5 209Hill, Mar 17, 2021
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  6. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Just to add, I have carbonated to 3.5 volumes (on purpose) in bottles without bombs and without gushing.

    Disclaimer: I'm not guaranteeing the safety of anyone's particular bottles.

    ETA: I don't know how I forgot this. I have (champagne) bottles of an Orval clone at about 5 volumes. They don't gush. I open them slowly and pour gently. But they are true champagne bottles...I wouldn't go anywhere near 5 volumes in a standard bottle, for safety reasons.
     
    #6 VikeMan, Mar 17, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2021
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  7. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    If you don't want to reach ~3.2 volumes, that's an option.
     
    #7 VikeMan, Mar 17, 2021
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  8. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    Before your next brew session here's what you need:
    [​IMG]
    There around 10 bucks on Amazon and are ideal for measuring priming sugar, hops, and even specialty grains . . . plus other kitchen ingredients and the mail. Find a free priming calculator (Brewers Friend or Brewcipher) and compute the carb level you want. After a few brews you'll develop a feel for the level you enjoy.

    Three volumes of carbonation isn't a big deal . . . many Belgians are in this range or higher. If you find they are a little too foamy just let it rest for a minute or two, problem solved. Just remember to always have the bottles properly chilled when opening. Under no conditions would I open and add back to fermenter . . . this will guarantee oxidation and a poor taste.

    Give us a post in a few days and update the progress.
     
    #8 PortLargo, Mar 17, 2021
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  9. WildernessMonk

    WildernessMonk Devotee (310) Feb 13, 2016 Massachusetts

    Put a c
    Put a couple of bottles in the refrigerator after a week of bottle conditioning. Heard the pfsst when I opened it, nice aroma, nice head on the beer and tasted great! Wicked happy with the results!
     
    #9 WildernessMonk, Mar 21, 2021
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