What Is A Demijohn For Wine Making? A Beginner’S Guide

A demijohn is a large glass or plastic container used to ferment beverages like wine, mead, cider, perry, and beer. It’s basically a giant bottle designed to hold and protect your delicious homemade brews. The demijohn usually has a rubber stopper and a fermentation lock. This helps keep bad bacteria and oxygen out, allowing your brew to ferment peacefully and develop those amazing flavors.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a demijohn so special for brewing:

Safety First: The demijohn’s sturdy design helps to prevent breakage and spills, keeping your hard work safe and sound. Plus, the glass or plastic material doesn’t interact with your brew, ensuring that your beverage remains pure and unadulterated.

Flexibility is Key: Demijohns come in different sizes, so you can choose the perfect one for your brewing needs. Whether you’re making a few bottles of wine for yourself or a whole batch for a party, there’s a demijohn to fit the bill.

Peace of Mind: The fermentation lock on the demijohn is like a tiny guardian angel for your brew. It lets out carbon dioxide (the natural byproduct of fermentation) while keeping harmful bacteria and oxygen from getting in. This ensures that your brew ferments properly and stays safe from spoilage.

Easy to Clean: Cleaning a demijohn is a breeze. Just give it a good rinse with hot water and a bit of baking soda. You can also use a specialized cleaning solution designed for brewing equipment.

So, if you’re planning to start your own brewing journey, a demijohn is a must-have. It’s a versatile, reliable, and safe container that will help you create delicious, high-quality beverages at home.

The demijohn’s name is rooted in a fascinating story. It’s said that a glassblower, perhaps a bit too enthusiastic, accidentally created an unusually large bottle. This impressive creation caused quite a stir, and the glassblower decided to make more of these big flasks. He named them Dame Jeanne, which translates to Lady Jane in French.

While the tale of the overzealous glassblower is charming, it’s important to remember that it’s just a legend. The origin of the name demijohn is actually a bit more complex. The word “demijohn” itself evolved over time, starting from the French phrase “dame-jeanne,” which, as mentioned before, means “Lady Jane.” This phrase likely referred to a type of large glass bottle used for storing wine in France, possibly named after a popular figure known as Jane.

The word “demijohn” itself might be a corruption of the original French phrase, with the “demi” part likely being added later. This addition may have been due to the fact that these bottles were often half the size of larger containers used for storing liquids, such as barrels. Another possible reason for the “demi” addition could be a mispronunciation of the original phrase “dame-jeanne,” with the “demi” part being a phonetic approximation of the “dame” part.

Regardless of the exact origin of the name, the demijohn remains a popular and enduring container, especially in the winemaking industry. These large, distinctive bottles continue to hold a unique place in the world of glassmaking and wine production, evoking images of the storied past and a long-standing tradition of craft and skill.

A demijohn bottle is a large, narrow-necked glass bottle, typically used for storing and transporting liquids, such as wine or oil. They were often encased in wicker, straw, or some other protective material to prevent the glass bottle from breaking during transport. Antique bottles were hand blown glass.

The demijohn’s unique shape makes it ideal for storing and transporting liquids. The narrow neck helps to prevent evaporation and oxidation, while the large body provides ample space for the liquid. The wicker or straw casing not only protects the bottle but also helps to keep the liquid cool.

Demijohns have been used for centuries to store and transport a variety of liquids, including wine, oil, vinegar, and even water. They are still popular today, especially among home winemakers and brewers. If you’re looking for a stylish and practical way to store your homemade wine or other liquids, a demijohn is a great option.

You can find demijohns in a variety of sizes, from small bottles that hold a few liters to large ones that can hold over 50 liters. You can also find them in a variety of colors, including clear, amber, and green.

Demijohns are a versatile and durable container that can be used for a variety of purposes. If you’re looking for a unique way to store your liquids, a demijohn is a great choice.

Demijohns are large vessels used for fermenting wine, cider and mead. They are often made from thick glass, though you can also find them made from PET. Demijohns are not pressure containers, so it is important to allow gases to escape during fermentation. This is why you’ll often see a blow-off tube attached to a demijohn during the fermenting process.

Now, let’s delve deeper into how demijohns work and why they’re popular for fermentation:

Firstly, demijohns are designed for fermentation. This means they’re not meant to withstand high pressure, as that could lead to breakage. This is why allowing gases to escape through a blow-off tube is crucial. The tube prevents the buildup of pressure, keeping your ferment safe. The large volume of a demijohn also provides plenty of space for the yeast to work their magic, ensuring a healthy and efficient fermentation process.

Another reason why demijohns are great for fermentation is their shape. The narrow neck limits the amount of air that can enter the vessel, which minimizes the chance of unwanted oxidation. This is especially important for wines and meads that are susceptible to oxidation, which can negatively impact their taste and quality.

Finally, demijohns are made from materials that are food-grade and non-reactive, ensuring your ferment stays safe and free from unwanted flavors. If you’re serious about making your own delicious wine, cider, or mead, a demijohn is a worthwhile investment.

You can absolutely ferment wine in a demijohn! While some recipes start the fermentation process in a larger container like a fermenting bin, you can also start it directly in a demijohn.

It’s a great choice for the initial fermentation phase. A bucket fermentation will typically bring the specific gravity down to a range of 1015-1040 before you transfer the wine to demijohns.

Here’s why demijohns are ideal for initial fermentation:

Convenient Size: Demijohns are typically around 5-10 gallons, making them perfect for smaller batches of wine. They’re not too big to handle easily and are less likely to be overfilled.
Good Airlock Fit: Demijohns have a narrow neck that makes it easier to use a good airlock system to ensure proper fermentation. Airlocks allow CO2 to escape while preventing air from entering, which is essential for healthy fermentation.
Easy to Clean: The glass construction of demijohns makes them easy to clean and sanitize, crucial for preventing unwanted bacteria or yeast from contaminating your wine.
Visual Inspection: Demijohns allow you to visually check the fermentation process and observe the sediment (lees) forming at the bottom. This helps you keep track of how your wine is progressing.

A Note on Transferring:

Remember that if you are transferring your wine from a bucket to a demijohn, it’s important to do it gently. You’ll want to rack the wine, which means carefully pouring it into the demijohn without disturbing the sediment at the bottom. This helps to prevent unwanted flavors and cloudiness.

You can absolutely make wine without a demijohn! While wine tends to mature best in bulk, you can bottle it directly if you don’t have a spare demijohn.

Here’s why bottling directly works and what to consider:

Smaller batches: If you’re making a small batch of wine, bottling directly can be a convenient option. You’ll have less wine to handle, and it’s easier to store.
Less equipment: You’ll only need bottles, corks, and a bottling setup.
Faster process: You can skip the transfer from the primary fermenter to a demijohn, saving you time.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Carbonation: Bottling directly may lead to some carbonation as the wine continues to ferment. This can add a bit of fizz to your wine, but it may not be what you’re looking for.
Oxygen exposure: When you bottle wine directly, it’s important to minimize oxygen exposure to prevent oxidation. Make sure you fill your bottles completely, leaving minimal headspace.
Sediment: If you’re bottling directly, you’ll want to rack your wine before bottling to remove any sediment that may have settled at the bottom.

Tips for Successful Direct Bottling:

Sanitize everything! Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment, including your bottles, corks, and bottling tools.
Use a bottling wand: A bottling wand will help you fill your bottles evenly and minimize oxygen exposure.
Leave a little headspace: Leave a small amount of headspace in your bottles to allow for expansion.
Store your bottles correctly: Store your bottles upright in a cool, dark place.
Patience is key: Let your bottled wine age for at least a few months before enjoying it. This will allow the flavors to develop and soften.

While using a demijohn for secondary fermentation offers certain benefits, bottling directly is a viable option, especially for small batches or when you’re short on equipment. With a bit of care and attention, you can create delicious wine even without a demijohn.

This equipment kit is perfect for making 6 bottles of wine. You can use either kits or fruit juice to make your wine. The kit includes a high-quality glass demijohn. A demijohn is a large glass bottle with a narrow neck, perfect for fermenting wine. You might also want to get a second demijohn or a fermenting bucket to rack your wine after it finishes fermenting. Racking is the process of transferring the wine to a new container to remove sediment.

Now, let’s talk about the capacity of a demijohn. Demijohns come in different sizes, but a standard size for home winemaking is 5 gallons. That means a 5-gallon demijohn can hold roughly 25 bottles of wine. However, you’re making 6 bottles of wine, and you’re using a single 5-gallon demijohn. This leaves you with plenty of space for the wine to ferment properly.

Why is having extra space in the demijohn important? Well, it allows for the wine to move around freely during fermentation, which helps the yeast do its job and produce a delicious wine. It also prevents the wine from becoming too crowded, which can lead to problems like oxidation.

You’ll want to make sure you choose a demijohn that’s the right size for the amount of wine you’re making. If you’re making more than 6 bottles, you might consider getting a larger demijohn. You can find them in sizes ranging from 1 gallon to 10 gallons or more.

Remember, choosing the right demijohn is essential for making quality wine.

A demijohn holds 4.5 liters, which is about 8 pints. This glass demijohn is perfect for fermenting liquids and storing things like cider or country wines.

Demijohns are a great choice for storing and fermenting liquids because they are made of glass, which is non-reactive and won’t affect the flavor of your beverages. They also have a wide mouth, which makes it easy to clean and fill.

The demijohn’s shape helps to prevent oxidation, which can spoil your wine or cider. The narrow neck of the demijohn also helps to keep out unwanted pests and critters.

You can find demijohns in a variety of sizes, but the 4.5-liter size is a popular choice for home brewers and winemakers. Demijohns are a versatile and durable container that can be used for a variety of purposes.

A standard glass demijohn typically holds 5 liters (1 gallon). While glass is a heavy and delicate material, it’s a tried and true method for long-term wine storage.

You might be wondering why glass is a good choice for storing wine. It’s because glass is inert – it doesn’t react with the wine, which means your wine won’t be affected by the container. This is important because it helps to preserve the flavor and quality of your wine over time.

Glass is also impermeable, which means it won’t let any air in. Air can oxidize wine, which can cause it to spoil. By using a glass demijohn, you can help to keep your wine fresh and flavorful for longer.

While glass demijohns are a great option for storing wine, they can be a bit fragile. If you’re looking for a more durable option, you might want to consider a stainless steel demijohn. These are just as effective as glass demijohns, but they are much more resistant to damage.

A demijohn (pronounced de-mee-john) is a beautiful, narrow-necked or teardrop-shaped glass bottle that’s perfect for storing liquids like wine, olive oil, cider, and vinegar. The bottle is usually sealed with a cork stopper. The name demijohn is thought to come from the French word dame-jeanne.

But how does a demijohn work? It’s simple, really. The shape of the bottle helps to preserve the contents by keeping air out. The narrow neck reduces the surface area of the liquid exposed to the air, which slows down oxidation. This is especially important for liquids like wine, which can quickly turn sour if exposed to too much oxygen. The cork stopper further helps to seal the bottle and keep air out.

Demijohns are often made of glass, which is a non-reactive material that won’t affect the taste of the liquid inside. They are also durable and can withstand temperature changes, making them a good choice for storing liquids for long periods.

Over time, demijohns have become more than just a storage vessel. They’ve been embraced as a decorative element for homes and restaurants. Their unique shape and classic look make them a beautiful way to add a touch of vintage charm to any space.

And since they are often made in different sizes, they are versatile for any storage need. Whether you’re storing your homemade wine or olive oil, a demijohn is a stylish and practical option.

A demijohn is a large, narrow-necked bottle. They’re perfect for storing and transporting all kinds of liquids, like wine, olive oil, cider, and vinegar. These bottles are shaped like a teardrop or rounded, and they usually have a cork stopper. This makes them both practical and pretty to look at.

But what makes demijohns so special? Their unique shape is key. The narrow neck helps prevent the liquid inside from spoiling. This is because it limits the amount of air that can get in, which can cause oxidation and make the liquid go bad. The large body of the bottle also allows for a large volume of liquid to be stored. This makes demijohns ideal for storing and transporting large quantities of liquids, especially in bulk.

You can often find demijohns made from different materials, like glass, ceramic, and even plastic. Glass demijohns are the most popular choice because they’re clear, durable, and easy to clean. However, ceramic demijohns are also a great option, especially for storing liquids like wine or vinegar because they can help maintain a stable temperature. Plastic demijohns are often used for storing liquids that don’t need to be kept at a certain temperature, but they may not be as durable as glass or ceramic.

The beauty of a demijohn goes beyond its practical uses. Its unique design and vintage charm make it a popular choice for decorating kitchens, bars, and dining rooms. If you’re looking for a unique and functional way to store or display your favorite liquids, a demijohn might be the perfect addition to your home.

Glass demijohns are incredibly versatile and portable. They’re a popular choice for storing a variety of liquids, like wine, vinegar, and kombucha. But what makes them so great?

Let’s break it down. The demijohn’s unique shape, with its wide base and narrow neck, makes it easy to transport and store. The glass itself protects the contents from light and oxygen, which can alter the flavor and quality of your fermented beverages.

Think of it like this: the demijohn acts like a protective bubble for your precious liquids, keeping them safe and sound. The protective wicker basket that often surrounds the demijohn adds an extra layer of security. This woven barrier cushions the glass, preventing it from getting damaged during transport. Plus, it allows you to easily grip and carry the demijohn without worrying about slipping or dropping it.

So, whether you’re a homebrewer, a seasoned winemaker, or simply someone who enjoys a little homemade kombucha, a glass demijohn is a fantastic tool to have on hand.

A demijohn can help you make five liters of wine. The new modern demijohns hold five liters, which after racking leaves you enough for half a dozen bottles of homemade wine.

Let’s break down how a demijohn works to make wine. A demijohn is a large glass bottle traditionally used for storing and aging wine. The shape of the demijohn helps protect the wine from oxidation, which is when the wine reacts with oxygen and spoils. The wide base of the demijohn allows the wine to be easily racked, which is the process of moving the wine from one container to another to remove sediment. Sediment is made up of dead yeast cells, grape skins, and other debris that can accumulate during the fermentation process. Racking helps to keep the wine clear and free of sediment.

When you make wine at home, you will typically start with a five-gallon carboy. The carboy is used to ferment the wine and allow it to age. Once the wine is finished fermenting, you will rack it into a demijohn. You will then let the wine age in the demijohn for several months. This aging process will allow the wine to develop its flavor and aroma. Once the wine has aged, you will rack it one final time into bottles.

A demijohn is a great way to store and age homemade wine. It allows you to make enough wine for a few bottles to enjoy with friends and family. Enjoy!

What is a Demijohn: Quick Guide to the Vintage Container

A demijohn is a large, narrow-necked bottle that plays a significant role in storing and transporting various liquids, such as wine, olive oil, cider, and vinegar. The Make Beer Easy

How to bottle from a large demijohn – Winemaking Talk

So I’ve got two 54L demijohns and I was wondering how I should go about bottling my wine now that it’s clear and ready. I have a racking cane and a simple Winemaking Talk

Glass Demijohns and where to find them – Almost Off Grid

Demijohns are large vessels for fermenting wine, cider and mead. They are often made from thick glass, though you can get PET demijohns too. A demijohn is not a pressure container. almostoffgrid.com

The Timeless Tradition of Storing Cognac in Demijohns

A demijohn is a large glass container, often shrouded in wicker or burlap, that is traditionally used to store and transport liquids, including wine, vinegar, and, of cognac.com

Demijohns | MoreWine

Demijohns are glass storage containers that can be used for storing wine, vinegar, kombucha, and more! The protective basket is a useful feature for protection and for MoreWine

Fermentation and Aging Containers – WineMakerMag.com

Fitted with a fermentation lock, a glass carboy or demijohn is very satisfactory for white wine fermentation and for aging of red or white. Sizes range from 1-gallon (4-L) jugs up to 14-gallon (54-L) demijohns. WineMakerMag.com

Demijohn – How To Use And Care For – Equipment – Homemade

A demijohn will help you make 4.5 lites of wine, the new modern Demijohns hold 5 litres, which after loss from racking leaves you enough for half a dozen bottles of Homemade Wine Recipes

Gorgeous Antique Demijohns and How to Find Them

The word demijohn is French and is used to describe any large, narrow-necked bottle used to hold liquid. Antique or vintage demijohns are from Europe and were most often used to transport or Maison de Cinq