Brite Tanks for Cider Making

Brite tanks play a crucial role in the final stages of cider making, primarily used for clarification, carbonation, and storage before packaging. Once the fermentation process is complete, cider is transferred to these tanks, which are often made from stainless steel due to their durability and ease of sanitation. The environment within a brite tank is cold (close to freezing), which, combined with carbonation stones or carb stones, allows for rapid and efficient carbonation of the cider. The CO2 pressure is carefully controlled, allowing it to reach equilibrium within the tank; this ensures that the cider absorbs a specific amount of CO2, leading to the desired level of carbonation. Brite tanks are incredibly versatile, enabling not only carbonation but also serving as the final conditioning phase for the cider, where it clarifies and stabilizes thanks to the cold temperature and the pressure controls available in the tank setup. This process significantly enhances the quality and consistency of the final product, making brite tanks an invaluable asset in the cider production process.