Suckback during cooling

[guypettigrew]

One good thing about colder weather is it allows me to cool my beer in the FV before racking into a King Keg. Not something I've been able to do before for all sorts of complicated reasons.

What I'm discovering, though, is the water in the airlock is sucking back into the FV as the brew cools. Not surprising really. The gas on top of the brew will expand when warm and contract when cold.

How do others deal with this? Do you leave the airlock open as the beer cools? Do you use Starsan in the airlock so it doesn't matter if it sucks back into the beer?

Thanks.

Guy

[Jim]

I don't use an airlock for beer - it's not necessary imo.

[fego]

If you have to use an airlock, then fill it with vodka or brandy etc so it is harmless if it gets sucked in...

[BenB]

I use starsan. Its to hand at the end of a brew day. I did buy some cheap vodka for the airlock but it got drunk at a party!

[guypettigrew]

I don't use an airlock for beer - it's not necessary imo.

Hi Jim

Does this mean you're OK about air hitting your beer before racking? Or does it mean you have confidence in the CO2 layer on top of the beer keeping it safe?

Guy

[Jim]

I don't use an airlock for beer - it's not necessary imo.

Hi Jim

Does this mean you're OK about air hitting your beer before racking? Or does it mean you have confidence in the CO2 layer on top of the beer keeping it safe?

Guy

I have the lid on the fermenter - the gas just leaks out of the sides and escapes. Some people leave the lid cracked open. And yes, the CO2 blanket protects the beer as well.

[lord groan]

Have to agree with Jim on this one, I've always just cracked the fermenter lid open slightly and relied on the headspace being filled with CO2. Also the fact that hops are in there - originally added for preservative qualities not flavour, they're likely to do for any nasties that can creep in, up under the lid. Mind you if the fermenter lid had a hole for an airlock i'd either stick a blind grommet in or an airlock just to prevent dirt falling through the hole.
(I've not lost any brews yet)