Open fermentation

[gulfdiver]

I am brand new to the brewing club. I am very interested in open fermentation, I would like if you guys would give me simple recipes to start off with.
Thanks



Michael

[hopshead]

Recipes? Well, search the net for a recipe of anchor steam, they use open fermentation. I have to ask are you a new brewer? If so, you really should make a beer that is simple the first few times to get the process down (i.e. sanitation and cleaning). Open fermentations at home are really tough to keep clean and the nasties out.

[gulfdiver]

I have brewed around seven to 10 batches of beer and ale with my father a couple of years ago, I kind of know the basics.
I will be starting from scratch I have no equipment. What is a basic run down of the equipment I need?

Thanks


Michael

[hopshead]

I would check online retailers like MoreBeer and Northern Brewer. They have basic starter kits that will get you what you need for cheap. But a run down of things I can think of are:
plastic bucket fermenter with lid and airlock
racking cane and tubing
bottling wand and bottle capper and bottle caps and bottling bucket
A pot big enough to boil at least 3 gallons & lid (leaving a gallon of room to top of pot)
A good sanitizer (read - starsan)
A good cleaner (read PBW)
Not necessary, but I would have a thermometer and hydrometer with sample jar.

For now that is all I can think of, but like I said check the online retailers. They will have all you need and a very reasonable price.

[HopRunner]

I have brewed around seven to 10 batches of beer and ale with my father a couple of years ago, I kind of know the basics.
I will be starting from scratch I have no equipment. What is a basic run down of the equipment I need?

Thanks
Michael

I don't mean to be a dick... honestly. But just the fact that you think that question can be answered with a forum reply means you have no idea what you are getting into. You can't just "Open Ferment". I suppose you can but what you wind up with will be very random. It could be funky but drinkable or it could literally just rot. The people who do open fermentation have years of microbiology experience and hundreds of hours of experimentation under their belts and they still find it exceedingly difficult.

My heartfelt suggestion is to buy the book "Wild Brews" and spend the time reading it cover to cover. If you still think it is a good idea then go for it. Wild Brews by Jeff Sparrow.

Or if ya just gotta do it.... Leave your boiled wort in the brew kettle and let it sit and cool on the porch overnight uncovered, maybe with cheese cloth over the top. In the morning transfer it into the carboy and pitch some neutral yeast like WLP001 yeast and let it ferment and see what happens.

Let us know what you do. I have some crazy stuff fermenting in the basement so I don't play it too safe either but it does help to understand the microbiology a bit before you jump in.


If you want to gear up for making regular beer, like every BJCP style.... More Beer has complete kits. No need to retype all that.