In my experience, carbonation drops can be a great option for homebrewers looking for a convenient and consistent way to carbonate their beer. I have used carbonation drops in the past and found them to be quite effective.
One advantage of using carbonation drops is the convenience they offer. When using drops, there is no need to measure and add priming sugar to each individual bottle. This can save a significant amount of time and effort, especially when bottling large batches of beer. Simply drop one or two carbonation drops into each bottle, and you’re good to go.
Another benefit of carbonation drops is the consistency they provide. The drops are pre-measured, ensuring that each bottle receives the same amount of priming sugar. This can result in a more uniform carbonation level across all the bottles, which can be difficult to achieve when manually measuring and adding priming sugar to each bottle.
Furthermore, carbonation drops are generally quite reliable. They are designed to dissolve easily in beer, allowing the yeast to consume the sugar and produce carbon dioxide. I have found that the carbonation levels achieved with carbonation drops are consistent and comparable to those obtained through traditional priming sugar methods.
Additionally, carbonation drops can be a good option for those who are concerned about oxygen exposure during the bottling process. When adding priming sugar to a bottling bucket, it is important to stir it thoroughly to ensure even distribution without introducing excessive oxygen. With carbonation drops, there is no need for stirring, reducing the risk of oxidation.
That being said, it is worth noting that carbonation drops may not be the best choice for all situations. If you prefer to have precise control over the carbonation level of your beer or if you are brewing a style that requires a specific level of carbonation, such as a Belgian Tripel or a German Hefeweizen, you may want to consider using traditional priming sugar methods.
Carbonation drops can be a convenient and reliable option for carbonating homebrewed beer. They offer ease of use, consistency, and can help reduce the risk of oxygen exposure during bottling. However, it is important to consider your specific brewing goals and the style of beer you are making when deciding whether to use carbonation drops or traditional priming sugar methods.