So you have seen it on the web, or at your local wine making supply store. The plastic tube with a black cap on the end. No, the cap isn't to protect it during shipping, it is actually a genius tool. I am referring to a siphoning tube. They come in both plastic, and stainless steel, and include a cap on the end.
What's the purpose of the cap? The cap re-directs the flow of wine or beer into the tube. Since, sediment collects on the bottom of a carboy the sediment needs to be left behind. Now some wine makers or beer makers suggest holding the siphon hose off the bottom a few inches. However, you are still pulling the wine or beer from the bottom, "where the sediment is".
Therefore, using a siphon rod, or my personal favorite, the auto-siphon, the siphoned wine or beer comes from the top down into the tube. I will try to draw a picture to sum my point.
How to Siphon for Wine and Beer Making
by
Brendan Iacofano
of World Wines & Liquors
(
22-Jan-2010
)