Siphon Tip

Rick here with a easy start siphon tip. This process only requires a serialized racking cane, a siphon tube, and a hemostat. Hopefully it will help ensure a sanitary transfer (not sterile) and will limit the yeast and trub you drag into secondary or to the bottling bucket. Here is how it works. 1. Racking cane, hose and hemostat are kept in a sanitizer until ready to use. 2. Hot rinse or drain until all sanitizer is gone. (I prefer to rinse using very hot water with the hot water set to a hot position). 3. Hold the end of the tube and the end of the hose at the same elevation and add sterile or hot water until the unit is full. 4. Crimp down the hose end with the locking hemostat. 5. Quickly insert the cane into the carboy. 6. Lower the crimped end into a bucket or glass (your choice) and remove the clamp until the beer runs fairly clear. Re-clamp and lift hose above liquid level (stop flow completely). 7. Without touching the hose, use the hemostat to move the hose into the receiving carboy or bottling bucket. It helps to flood the new container with CO2 or argon gas. (argon is very heavy and also prevents oxidation). 8. Release the clamp and move the hose to the bottom of the receiver. NOTE: I sanitize my "brewery sink" with an Iodine/soap scrub prior to working with the racking cane and hose. This way I lay the hose and cane down in the sink and hot rinse.