Home Distiller

I was wondering, what were you guys using to store your finished product? I've been using old bottles (mostly after vodka) but last week-end, i opened one of my bottles that was lying around and it just tasted like crap. The thing is I've drank some from the same batch and they taste great, so whats wrong with this one? After having a friend taste it, he said it had a "cognac like flavor" and well, the bottle was an old cognac bottle. I found it strange, since I wash the bottle vigorously before using them. I then opened another bottle (this time after some wine) and that one had a slight fruity taste to it. It was much more subtle and it actually taste good, not like the other one. I guess the bottle does make a pretty big difference. So i was wondering, what do you guys use? Recycled bottles like me? Buy brand new bottles? or just mason jars or something else?

Btw i'm making neutral, so some flavours are pretty easely detectable.

I use 'mason' jars and/or imperial gallon jars.

blanik

you aren't reusing the lids are you? Glass doesn't carry flavour. If you're using new lids, and glass bottles, and still getting flavour, you need to wash better

I use recycled spirits bottles However I try to stick with the original style ie SHMBO gets her gins in bottles which have previously had Gin.
Same with Rum and Vodka. I've found that even with a good clean there is a flavour retention in a lot of bottles although I agree with Kiwi that the caps can have a bearing on it

It also looks much better in the Bar cabinet to have a range of original looking spirits and liquers and to know the contents are pretty close to the commercial originals

Sometimes the original hooch in the bottle contains sugars and other additives. If there is a half-shot left in the bottle and it dries out then the residue is like a sticky lolly and hard to see. It's strong stuff and a quick rinse won't get it all out. Needs a good soak with hot water with the lid on.