Archibald's Pure Beeswax is as natural as possible. The wax is 100% pure Australian and has absolutely nothing added to it.
Beeswax is a by-product of producing honey. When we cut the comb open to let the honey out, wax is removed.
This wax is collected and melted down. It is then filtered to remove any impurities then poured into moulds to cool.
Pack Sizes:
- 50g
- 275g
Common Uses for Beeswax in Brewing and Distilling:
-
Sealing Barrels: This is one of the most common and traditional uses. Oak barrels, especially those used for aging beer, wine or spirits, can sometimes develop small leaks. Beeswax, often mixed with other substances like brewer's pitch, is used to seal these leaks. It's applied to the exterior of the barrel and can be melted with heat (like a hairdryer) to allow it to seep into the wood and create a seal. It's crucial not to apply wax to the inside of the barrel, as it can spoil the contents.
-
Bottle Sealing/Dipping: While not strictly for "conditioning" (which refers to the secondary fermentation in the bottle), beeswax is widely used to seal bottles, particularly for specialty beers, meads, or those intended for long-term aging. Dipping the top of a bottled beer or mead in melted beeswax (often coloured) creates a distinctive, rustic, and premium look, reminiscent of some whiskies or wines.
-
Flavor Infusion/Botanical Distillation: This is a more modern and innovative application. Some distilleries are experimenting with distilling spirits with beeswax or infusing spirits with beeswax during or after distillation. Beeswax is being used as a botanical during gin distillations. It's said to impart a smooth, creamy texture and subtle notes of salted honey and floral characteristics.
-
Rodent Deterrent: Historically, wax was also used to deter rodents from chewing on corks.
Other possible uses for Beeswax:
- Authentic Candles
- An ingredient many cosmetics and ointments.
- Due to its great waterproofing ability its used in many older crafts such as bootmakers / tailors / leatherworkers.