Question about rum horn

[mazo kid]

I'm planning to start a rum horn soon and am wondering what is used to seal the inside of the horn? TIA :idunno:

 

[hoochiepapa]

I would think beeswax. That's what they use on canteens.
If you go to the CLA website (longrifle.com) there are several vendors that make them, and they usually describe the how's and what's.

 

[Big Lee]

I beleive brewers pitch is used to seal rum horns and canteens. Bee's wax will aso work.

 

[Celt5494]

Search the internet for brewers pitch or visit any of the home brewing-beer making websites to purchase the stuff.

 

[mazo kid]

I believe brewers pitch is used to seal rum horns and canteens. Bee's wax will also work.

I have a buddy who is a leather worker and makes leather canteens, etc. He said NEVER put any alcohol in those canteens that are sealed with brewers pitch. :idunno: Does anyone have firsthand knowledge?

 

[paulvallandigham]

Personally, I would seal the plugs on both ends using epoxy resin- not pitch, or wax. Alcohol should dissolve both the wax, and the pitch over time. Ugh!

I bought a horn "mug" with a wood bottom to use for drinking in primitive camp, and the wood was Not sealed well. If you leave even water sit in the horn too long, it begins to taste like old barns smell. :shocked2: Both the odor from the horn, and from whatever wood used for the plug begins to taint the taste of the liquid.

Brewer's pitch is said to not have these problems, but I have not used it, personally. I need to buy some and do my own testing. I still have my horn mug, so it will probably be my test guinea pig. I need to find someway to make that mug useful again. :hmm: :idunno: :surrender: :thumbsup:

 

[skunkskinner]

I used brewers pitch in the rum horn i made 4 or 5 years ago. I have had no problems with the horn or the whiskey it holds so far. I have had no problems with the horn or the whiskey it holds so far.

 

[hoochiepapa]

I learn every day. I never heard of brewer's pitch. :redface:

 

[Ken Cormier]

I used brewers pitch to seal a wooden canteen and a gourd. They have worked for yrs. Got from Jas. Townsed ?.

 

[mazo kid]

Thanks to all for the responses. Looks like I can use brewers pitch, beeswax, or resin to coat the inside of the horn. I visited the CLA web site and looked at rum horns there; most were coated inside with beeswax. So....just need to get busy.

 

[FPDoc]

I have heard that beeswax can flavor the contents over time and more so during hot months. My $.02

 

[Black Hand]

Beeswax.

 

[omarick1948]

Mazo, The secret is not storing the liquid contents for long extended periods of time. Empty out after use!

Rick

 

[mazo kid]

Mazo, The secret is not storing the liquid contents for long extended periods of time. Empty out after use!

Rick

Thanks.....that really makes the most sense!

 

[Black Hand]

Mazo, The secret is not storing the liquid contents for long extended periods of time. Empty out after use!

Rick

Thanks.....that really makes the most sense!

The sealant would serve to keep the wooden plugs from getting water (alcohol)-logged and keep the alcohol from extracting nasty/off flavors from the wood and horn.

But I do agree that it should be emptied, rinsed and allowed to dry after use

 

[Woods Dweller]

I have 2 wooden canteens and a wooden bucket that I have not used for years, I used wax to seal them and in time the wax crumbles and the items leaked. Last year I bought a pound of Brewer's Pitch [pine tar pitch] and I have not had a problem with leaking or taste. I don’t see why it would not work in a rum horn.

Try this as a test: put rum in a bottle, next place a small piece of Brewer's Pitch in with it and let it sit for some time. Taste the rum now and again to see if it taste different and if the Brewer's Pitch dissolves. Try the same test with wax.

brewers pitch http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=373

 

[mattybock]

historically I think the rum horn was just a simple cup left in the raw. clay/earthen ware jugs with sand glaze lining held the goods for long term storage. Based on what has been said, I'd said some non-toxic epoxy, if there is such a thing.

 

[gus13]

Mattybock, the rum horn I think he's talking about is essientally a small canteen mad from horn (both ends plugged) and either a hole drilled thru the top of the horn and stoppered or thru the side plug -and stoppered.

As to the question I would suggest, when making it, to try and get it as watertight from the start as you possibly can, then line with whatever you choose just for safeties sake. I haven't made any myself, but I've toyed with the idea and when I get around to it I plan on using the brewer's pitch. (probably get it from townsends)