Bottling.

[cerevisia]

What do you good people use to prime your bottles with? I normally use the Coopers or Brewcraft sugar drops, but is there another way of doing this?

Thanks in advance.

[denimglen]

It's best to rack the beer when bulk priming as adding it to the primary means you need to stir it, which can drag up a lot of trub and yeast as stated above.

It's not going to taste any better but it's easier IMO. Means you don't need to worry about missing a bottle when you're adding sugar to them and it you get a nice even carbonation across all the bottles (as long as the beer is well mixed with the priming solution before bottling). Also you can get better control over your carbonation levels. You should be able to find a few carbonation calculators online.

The only downside is the risk of a bit of oxidation pick up during transfer but if you're careful it's not really going to matter especially since the yeast is still there and still has the ability to consume some O2.

[vdog]

A related question for you guys: I've got a batch I'm drinking at the moment which is all good (pale ale with cascade/motueka) but it's got shitloads of floaties in it from the hops. We didn't use a hop bag and did quite a big dry hop, and then made the error of not fining in the fermenter.

So my question is: can I fine in the bottle? I'm presuming I could open them up, squirt in some gelatine solution and then re-cap, but I'm not sure whether that'll work or not. Anyone done it or able to offer any advice?

[JoKing]

I think your best option is to store them at zero degrees for a few weeks. Give them a good stir up first so as to mix the hops and yeast up... hopefully this will for a tight pack at the bottom of the bottle.

I wouldn't risk fining in the bottle. If they are carbed - the gelatine will for nucleation sites for the carbon dioxide to leap out of solution: Mt St Helens comes to mind.