Fermentation query

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adamzworld
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Fermentation query

Post by adamzworld » Fri Jun 18, 2021 11:53 am

I put a brew on the other day and I'm just wondering whether the sudden drop in temperature may have stalled the fermentation.

I've attached a link to a photo below and you can see there's what appears to be particles of dried yeast floating on the top.
I don't recall this happening when I've done brews in the past, so can anyone advise please whether the fermentation might have stalled and if so, then what I can do to get it restarted?

Cheers.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hZFDno51MDxEcCmm8

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Cobnut
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by Cobnut » Fri Jun 18, 2021 12:49 pm

check the gravity.

Then again after another couple of days.

That should tell you the answer.

Also you've not said how long it's been fermenting. Most ales will ferment out within a few days. Lagers will take longer (typically).

This assumes a typical ale fermentation temperature of close to 20C
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adamzworld
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by adamzworld » Fri Jun 18, 2021 1:34 pm

Cobnut wrote:
Fri Jun 18, 2021 12:49 pm
check the gravity.

Then again after another couple of days.

That should tell you the answer.

Also you've not said how long it's been fermenting. Most ales will ferment out within a few days. Lagers will take longer (typically).

This assumes a typical ale fermentation temperature of close to 20C
Thanks Cobnut. I brewed it on Tues, so maybe I'm being a bit impatient. I'll keep an eye on it over the weekend and take a couple of separate gravity readings.

WalesAles
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by WalesAles » Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:28 pm

adamz,
If that was my beer I would get a sterilised spoon and push those floaty bits down,
then give a good stir and do as cob said.

WA

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Re: Fermentation query

Post by guypettigrew » Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:34 pm

WalesAles wrote:
Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:28 pm
adamz,
If that was my beer I would get a sterilised spoon and push those floaty bits down,
then give a good stir and do as cob said.

WA
+1 Don't bother leaving it a couple of days--just increases the chance of infection.

Give it a really good stir and see if it wakes it up.

Guy

adamzworld
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by adamzworld » Fri Jun 18, 2021 9:38 pm

Cheers chaps. I'm away camping this weekend but as soon as I get home I'll give it a good old stir!

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MashBag
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by MashBag » Sat Jun 19, 2021 8:17 am

adamzworld wrote:
Fri Jun 18, 2021 11:53 am
I put a brew on the other day and I'm just wondering whether the sudden drop in temperature may have stalled the fermentation.
I very much doubt the temp drop was enough to stall it.

Do you KNOW you have an issue or is this just a unsubstantiated thought? (we all get them).

Test the SG. It's probably done.

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Re: Fermentation query

Post by Rookie » Sat Jun 19, 2021 3:39 pm

What size batch? How much of a temperature drop was there, and for how long?
I'm just here for the beer.

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Re: Fermentation query

Post by adamzworld » Sun Jun 20, 2021 2:53 pm

MashBag wrote:
Sat Jun 19, 2021 8:17 am
adamzworld wrote:
Fri Jun 18, 2021 11:53 am
I put a brew on the other day and I'm just wondering whether the sudden drop in temperature may have stalled the fermentation.
I very much doubt the temp drop was enough to stall it.

Do you KNOW you have an issue or is this just a unsubstantiated thought? (we all get them).

Test the SG. It's probably done.
You could well be right that it's an unsubstantiated thought. I haven't done any brewing for a few years, so may be being a bit paranoid.

The ambient temp was a around 25oC on the day I put the brew on and has now dropped by about 10oC.

I've given it a good stir, so hopefully that will wake it up. I'll also take a gravity reading in a couple of days to see if it's made a difference.

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Re: Fermentation query

Post by adamzworld » Sun Jun 20, 2021 2:55 pm

Rookie wrote:
Sat Jun 19, 2021 3:39 pm
What size batch? How much of a temperature drop was there, and for how long?
It was 23l and I'd say the ambient temperature has probably dropped by about 10oC. It's hasn't warmed up significantly since.

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Re: Fermentation query

Post by MashBag » Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:51 pm

Where is it? In the garage?

adamzworld
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by adamzworld » Sun Jun 20, 2021 8:33 pm

MashBag wrote:
Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:51 pm
Where is it? In the garage?
It's in the downstairs cupboard, so not outside. I guess this should mean that the temperature should be a little more stable than it would be in a garage.

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MashBag
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by MashBag » Mon Jun 21, 2021 7:41 am

Absolutely.

Tbh the best thing you can do for your beer is to get the temp stable for primary fermentation and it doesn't have to cost a fortune or take up space.

Happy yeasties make best beer.

adamzworld
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by adamzworld » Mon Jun 21, 2021 10:52 pm

Took a gravity reading tonight and although I didn't take one last week, it looks like it's almost done. I also tasted the sample jar and it didn't taste too bad considering it's only been in the FV for six days. I think I'll chuck the dried hops in tomorrow evening and then transfer it to my pressure barrel at the weekend.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/J1s582if97z5J26x7

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MashBag
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Re: Fermentation query

Post by MashBag » Wed Jun 23, 2021 7:22 am

Good news.

For most beers of the fermentation is over in the first 3 - 4 days of its at a steady 20c.

Consider a heat mat and an inkbird - your yeasties will thank you
Last edited by MashBag on Fri Jun 25, 2021 6:09 am, edited 1 time in total.

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