Oxphocker posted:

The ghetto setup I've used in the past is dismantling a .30 cent Bic pen...washing them in soap and air drying. Then attaching tubing that barely fits over the pen tube, then shove the other end into the drilled hole in the tree. if you keep it tight, works pretty well as a tap. That goes straight into the drilled hole in the lid of a clean 5 gal bucket for collection. Keeps all the extra ice/water/debris/critters out. I reduced about 3 gal to less than 60% volume (so not syrup) to keep aside for boiling brats in. Excellent stuff, keep a bunch in the freezer, pull out about 3-4 cups worth, add to pot on the stove, then add one good nut brown ale. Bring up to boiling, add brats. Boil for about 10-15 mins then finish off on the grill, basting with a bit of the liquid. Serve on grilled buns with mustard and sauerkraut and beer.