Corks with wires are used for storing cider.
Adding potassium bicarbonate or the more common potassium sorbate to your cider will help it ferment. You normally do this after the cider has been stored for a long time and it does not affect the bottling process. When you are bottling cider, consider how long you want to store it for. If you want to keep the cider bottled for a long period, you will need a Champagne-style bottle or any other type of bottle compatible with cork wire cages. The wire cages enable you to secure the corks for longer storage. If you intend to drink the cider over a shorter period, you can use screw tops or corks without wire for the bottles.
Instructions
1. Clean your empty bottles thoroughly. Fill each bottle to the top with warm water. As you pour the water out, shake the bottles gently.
2. Fill the bottles one at a time. Use your rubber tube to siphon the cider from a barrel or keg into the bottle. Place the tube at the bottom of the bottle before you release the cider to prevent air from getting into your beverage. Fill each bottle near to the top so the cider reaches the neck.
3. Soak the corks in warm water to make them easier to push into the bottles.
4. Secure the corks using the wire cages. Place the wire over the cork and twist it until it is tight. If you are using screw tops on your bottles, tighten them strongly.
5. Store your bottles on their sides to prevent the corks from drying. Your corks may loosen if they dry but they will stay in place if you have used wire to secure them. If you have used screw tops on the bottles, you can store them in an upright position but you should consume the cider within a few days.
Tags: screw tops, wire cages, each bottle, Fill each, Fill each bottle
