Finishing my first All Grain Kolsch

[Hammy2424]

Morning All,

My Kolsch fermented away at 60 degrees for 15 days, even blew out of the airlock. I took a sample and tasted it at that point and did not perceive any Diacetyl, but I did not bump the fermentation temp up for a day or two before starting my cold crash.

First, when I chiiled my wort I went from boiling to 140 in 7 minutes, was at 70 in 20 minutes, and used ice water to get to 58 in 38 minutes. I was under the impression that this is one of, if not the, biggest factor in limiting Diacetyl production. That said, am I going to be OK skipping the D-rest, or should I ramp up tonight to still try and have one?

Second, what does every one do to prevent the sanitizer in one's airlock from drawing into the fermentor during cold crashing? I have been bringing down the temp one or two degrees morning and evening for the last couple days, and I know a little sanitizer has taken the plunge.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Quin]

The quick cool down after boiling is to limit DMS (cooked corn or vegetable flavor). Diacetyl is a buttery/toffee flavor produced by the yeast during metabolism and usually reduced at the end of fermentation. Since you left it at fermentation temps for 15 days, the yeast would have reduced any diacetyl present. I would leave it as is.

If you use star-san, I wouldn't worry about a little sanitizer getting into the beer.

[brewinhard]

If you install an S-shaped airlock (instead of a 3-piece one) with just a tiny bit of liquid in it you will have no "suck back" when the pressure changes due to the cold crashing. Had to learn that one the hard way a few years ago....

[Elbone]

If you install an S-shaped airlock (instead of a 3-piece one) with just a tiny bit of liquid in it you will have no "suck back" when the pressure changes due to the cold crashing. Had to learn that one the hard way a few years ago....

And for heaven's sake remember to disconnect a blowoff hose with one end sitting in muck before cold crashing. (Ask me how I know )

[Hammy2424]

Awesome guys, thanks.

Quin,

I am a star-san in the airlock guy, so I wasn't so worried about what fell into the beer. I was more worried about the airlock drying out. I should have thought about the SSM boil off vs. the D-rest. I know the difference, just wasn't thinking about it.

Brewinhard,

Good tip. I changed out my three piece for a S lock last night.

Elbone,

I haven't used a blow-off tube to date, but I know that is a big one to look out for.