Bottling Before Fermentation Is Complete:
Fermentables remaining in the beer at bottling time can continue to ferment and cause over carbonation and bottle bombs. Normally, only the priming sugar (or other fermentables added for priming) should be present when bottling. See the links below for more details…
“The only way to determine whether or not fermentation has finished is by taking gravity readings on consecutive days; if this reading remains constant, fermentation is complete.” (Read more…)
“Bottle bombs typically occur when beer is bottled prior to fermentation ending, as the yeast are continuing to eat the sugars in the beer along with the added priming sugar. This concern underscores the need to take hydrometer readings to determine when primary fermentation is truly complete.” (Read more…)
“One of the chief causes of exploding homebrew bottles is beer that has not been fully fermented before bottling.” (Read more…)
Over Priming:
Too much of a good thing can cause problems. See the links below for more details…
“Sugar density varies tremendously depending on who made the sugar ” one cup of corn sugar from one manufacturer weigh dramatically more than another. Weigh your priming sugar ” dont just measure it by volume. You can calculate the exact weight of priming sugar needed using a spreadsheet, online calculator or BeerSmith” (Read more…)
“Beer Priming Calculator” (Read more…)
Not Mixing In The Priming Sugar:
Opinions differ on whether stirring is necessary. Some advocate letting the beer whirlpool when racking to the bottling bucket and letting this do the mixing. You’ll have to decide for yourself. See the links below for more details…
“Another area where one can make bottle bombs is by not properly mixing the priming sugar after adding to the beer. If the sugar doesnt mix well, it wont be distributed evenly between the bottles.” (Read more…)
“You don’t NEED to stir the priming solution when you add it to the bucket, I NEVER DO, and I’ve never had a problem with inconsistent carbonation.” (Read more…)
Infection:
Bacteria can continue fermenting in the bottle and cause bottle bombs. See the link below for more details…
“The brewers arch nemesis, bacterial infection, is known to create bottle bombs as well.” (Read more…)
Bottle Quality:
Naturally, poor quality or damaged bottles can be a problem. See the link below for more details…
“Use Good Bottles, and Inspect Them” (Read more…)
Storing Bottled Beer In A Hot Or Bright Area:
I was unaware of this possibility until I started researching for this article. See the link for more details…
“Light and heat break down critical flavor compounds, promote additional fermentation and increase the CO2 pressure in the bottle.” (Read more…)
Broken Carboys:
Obviously, glass carboys can break and cause injuries, but not everyone is aware of just how easily they can break.
General Considerations:
See the links below for more details…
“Broken Glass Carboy Horror Stories Compendium” (Read more…)
“So, not saying all glass is a problem, but please be extra careful if you lift them when they are full. Buy some heavy gloves!” (Read more…)
“Big Mouth Bubblers are dangerously thin” (Read more…)
“Well, it looks like Midwest came out with a “version 2″ of their glass big mouth bubbler. Supposedly it has thicker glass walls, up to 17% thicker than the previous model.” (Read more…)
“I took delivery yesterday of my BMB EVO2. I was impressed with the thickness of the glass and the general “feel” of the jar. It is about the same weight as a 6.5 gal. glass carboy and appears to be made of glass of similar thickness.” (Read more…)
“Weve taken the revolutionary Big Mouth Bubbler glass and re-engineered it with the help of world-class Polish master glassmakers to ensure sturdy, solid, superior craftsmanship.” (Read more…)
“A glass carboy, especially one filled with liquid, will explode into razor-sharp shrapnel when dropped.” (Read more…)
Thermal Shock:
See the links below for more details…
“Glass (carboys and bottles) will likely break if you try to sanitize them with boiling water.” (Read more…)
“If you are using a glass carboy, never pour hot wort directly into it, it will break from the temperature difference.” (Read more…)
Rough Handling:
See the link below for more details…
“Will shatter if you bump them against any solid surface” (Read more…)
“Carrying” Handle:
Handles such as these are meant for carrying empty carboys – not full. Most, if not all, catalogs state this, but you may not remember, or you may buy a used one. See the links below for more details…
“Simply lifting a full glass carboy by its neck can break the neck off.” (Read more…)
“There is always the chance of breaking the neck when using a Carboy handle when the Carboy is full.” (Read more…)
“You should never pick up a full carboy by the handle alone: the neck just isn’t designed for that kind of stress.” (Read more…)
Using Propane Without Ventilation:
See the links below for more details…