Beer Forum

I have brewed 10 batches of extract and am still refining my process. My last one was the Tasty's Janet's Brown Ale. I make a 2000 ml yeast starter and have recently started using oxygen to airate (SP?) for the yeast so this process should be as strong as it can be. I am using a 6.5 gal carboy with a 1/2" blow off tube into a 1 gallon bucket with about 2.5" of Star San. Fermentation started within 4 hours and by the morning the bucket was brown and full of foam. When all was done, the amount of foam that went into the bucket was huge and the fluid looked like the beer.

Am I loosing too much yeast here? I am asking as my FG was 1.022 which is a bit high. Controlled temp and 10 gallon kettle, so I am removing most of the variables.

I have had this more than once and am beginning to wonder if my consistent high FG's are a result of loosing yeast in the blow-off.

Any feedback?

Mahalo

Sounds like you could make use of some Fermcap S to keep that blow off under control. I've been using the stuff for a year now and haven't needed a blow off tube since. http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/f ... -4-oz.html

Wayne

Hey Bug,

Have you noticed any head retention issues while using the fermcap during fermentation? I have only used it for boil issues and not during fermentation. I have read on some other posts that some feel it could affect their head on the beer negatively. Any thoughts?

I've noticed no problem with head retention in the 15 or so batches I have used it on.

Wayne

I have some of this and have only used it in my starters as I ahve been able to control my boils. I'll give this a shot for my next brew.

Thanks for the feedback.