Brewing Master

Question:

I have a question about oxycaps.  If they are moisture activated, are they ruined if you boil them?  Do you sanitize them differently?

The label on the bag says DO NOT BOIL. I used Iodophor solution to sanitize (1 teaspoon:gallon of water)

Response:

thanks, all dan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – FWIW, I *never* boil caps, of any kind (oxy-barrier or not). Normal caps, I toss in a bowl of dilute Iodophor solution.  As I fill each bottle, I take a cap out of the bowl, shake off the sanitizer, and put it on the bottle. Oxy barrier caps I generally use straight from the bag.  I use ‘em mostly on strong ales (that I expect to keep around for a while) anyway, so the alcohol ought to afford a fair amount of protection from anything that might hitch a ride on the caps.  Any caps that are left over get sealed in a Ziploc bag to keep them clean. I’ve never had a problem with either of these methods. — I have a question about oxycaps.  If they are moisture activated, are they ruined if you boil them?  Do you sanitize them differently? dan

Response:

When my local homebrew shop guy told me about them, he told me to dip them in vodka immediately before capping.  I leave them for a minute or so, them cap. He said to cap within a minute of pulling them from the liquid. I have used hundreds with no problem and an appreciable improvement in longevity of my beer.  That one minute from removing from liquid thing sounds like a wives tale, but Ive been too chicken to challenge it.  Anyone have any further info?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a question about oxycaps.  If they are moisture activated, are they ruined if you boil them?  Do you sanitize them differently? dan How are these different from a standard cap? I am figuring they allow for a bit of oxygen to pass. Are they used with a particular type of beer? Or any? Thanks!

Response:

FWIW, I *never* boil caps, of any kind (oxy-barrier or not). Normal caps, I toss in a bowl of dilute Iodophor solution.  As I fill each bottle, I take a cap out of the bowl, shake off the sanitizer, and put it on the bottle. Oxy barrier caps I generally use straight from the bag.  I use ‘em mostly on strong ales (that I expect to keep around for a while) anyway, so the alcohol ought to afford a fair amount of protection from anything that might hitch a ride on the caps.  Any caps that are left over get sealed in a Ziploc bag to keep them clean. I’ve never had a problem with either of these methods. — – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a question about oxycaps.  If they are moisture activated, are they ruined if you boil them?  Do you sanitize them differently? dan

Response:

Dan,      I don’t even bother boiling them.  Being metal, they should be clean right out of the bag.  That’s how I use them.  Any left over I simply seal the bag as best I can for the next batch.                                         Marc Gaspard

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a question about oxycaps.  If they are moisture activated, are they ruined if you boil them?  Do you sanitize them differently? dan How are these different from a standard cap? I am figuring they allow for a bit of oxygen to pass. Are they used with a particular type of beer? Or any? Thanks!

Response:

I have a question about oxycaps.  If they are moisture activated, are they ruined if you boil them?  Do you sanitize them differently? dan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How are these different from a standard cap? I am figuring they allow for a bit of oxygen to pass. Are they used with a particular type of beer? Or any? Thanks!

Response:

They are used to absorb some of the oxygen from the headspace of the bottle to prevent some off flavors from occuring.  I’ve used them, but usually my beer isn’t around long enough to oxidate anyway. Jake

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How are these different from a standard cap? I am figuring they allow for a bit of oxygen to pass. Are they used with a particular type of beer? Or any? Thanks!

Response:

I sometimes use them for beers that I know will be around for a while (Barleywines, Old Ales, Imperial Stouts, Tripels…) — – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They are used to absorb some of the oxygen from the headspace of the bottle to prevent some off flavors from occuring.  I’ve used them, but usually my beer isn’t around long enough to oxidate anyway. Jake How are these different from a standard cap? I am figuring they allow for a bit of oxygen to pass. Are they used with a particular type of beer? Or any? Thanks!

Response:

How are these different from a standard cap? I am figuring they allow for a bit of oxygen to pass. Are they used with a particular type of beer? Or any? Thanks!

Response: