As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that using glass bottles for fermentation when making ginger beer is not recommended. While glass bottles are commonly used for storing and serving beverages, they are not suitable for the fermentation stage due to the risk of explosion.
During fermentation, natural carbonation occurs as the yeast consumes the sugars in the ginger beer mixture and produces carbon dioxide. This buildup of carbon dioxide creates pressure within the bottle. Unlike plastic bottles, which can expand slightly under pressure, glass bottles are rigid and can shatter if the pressure becomes too high. This can be extremely dangerous and cause injury.
I have personally experienced the consequences of using glass bottles for fermentation. Early in my brewing journey, I attempted to make ginger beer using glass bottles. Unfortunately, one of the bottles exploded during fermentation, resulting in a messy and potentially hazardous situation. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it highlighted the importance of using the appropriate containers.
Instead of using glass bottles for fermentation, I recommend using plastic bottles. Plastic bottles, such as those commonly used for carbonated beverages, are designed to withstand pressure and are less likely to explode. They are a safer option for small-batch fermentation, including ginger beer.
Once the fermentation process is complete and you have achieved the desired level of carbonation, it is then safe to decant the ginger beer into glass bottles for storage and serving. A clean 2-liter glass bottle or recycled beer bottles can be used for this purpose. If using recycled beer bottles, make sure you have a bottle capper handy to securely seal the bottles.
To summarize:
1. Avoid using glass bottles for fermentation as they can explode under pressure.
2. Use plastic bottles specifically designed for carbonated beverages for the fermentation stage.
3. Decant the finished ginger beer into clean 2-liter glass bottles or recycled beer bottles after fermentation for storage and serving.
4. If using recycled beer bottles, ensure you have a bottle capper to securely seal the bottles.
By following these guidelines, you can safely and successfully make ginger beer without the risk of glass bottles exploding during fermentation.