Rum or vodka
This is very interesting. I've never used vodka for anything in the brewing process other than swishing around in my mouth before sucking on the syphon hose to transfer wort from one container to another. I've always used water in the airlock, but my have to give vodka a try.
I don't think I'd use rum. Vodka is supposed to be tasteless and odorless; rum obviously has flavor and typically is made from molasses, so it has some sugar content.
And Marv, as far as I know you can still get grain alcohol in Ohio. I work for a beverage publication and we list both Diesel 153 and Everclear in our pricelist. That doesn't mean you can find it in every liquor store, though.
Thanks Squibb
First I've heard of it being brought back into Ohio.
This state can change, I'll be danged.
Marv.
dmofot wrote:
Yea, I hear that. I guess what I meant is does the vodka tend to cover up the fermentation aroma down at the airlock. In a real vigorous fermentation I can smell it as soon as I enter my house, but others I have to put my nose up to the airlock as it's bubbling. So not that vodka smells bad, but it does have a particular smell to it, whether it's good or bad vodka probably isn't the smell I get, it's probably just high alcohol level that gives the sensation of smell...kind of like rubbing alcohol.
Well, from my experience (which is limited), it did not seem to hamper the fermentation smell as I was still able to smell the fermentation fairly clearly. I used vodka at the recommendation of a friend who has brewed a lot more beer than I have - his other defense was the vodka is more effective in keeping bugs out as they would die in the vodka.
Unfortunately, I don't have much to compare the smell to, so it would be hard for me to comment - but I did definitely notice a smell during fermentation.
I use vodka in my airlocks, and the smell of the fermentation still fills the room. Despite the fact that it passes through the vodka on its way out, a strong smell is released.
For soaking spices, it is mostly a matter of preference. If you are brewing something that compliments the flavor of rum, say a stout or porter, then rum would be an excellent choice. If you do not want the liquor to affect the flavor of the beer, use something with less flavor like vodka.
Just remember that some liquor has sugar in it, and this should be considered if you add it when you are bottling.
I have sanitized myself once or twice with rum, as I recall...
I prefer to use vodka. You'll see the best effect.