What material is a soft spile typically made from?

A soft spile is typically made from porous wood, such as maple or birch. This material is essential for its function, which involves allowing the natural carbonation of a beer or cider to escape without permitting excessive oxygen to enter the container. The use of porous wood allows the spile to breathe, enabling a controlled release of gases while also maintaining the integrity of the beverage.

While other materials like plastic, metal, and rubber could theoretically be used for spiles, they do not possess the necessary characteristics to function appropriately in fermentation or storage applications. For instance, plastic and metal can create a seal that traps gases without allowing for any needed exchange, leading to excessive carbonation or spoilage. Rubber can create an airtight seal as well, which isn't ideal for the purpose of a soft spile, where some gas exchange is crucial. The choice of porous wood aligns with traditional practices and provides the desired properties for effective fermentation and storage management.