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Prymal · 08-10-2012, 08:40 PM

2 batches ago I made a Belgian Pale ale that blew off its airlock and was exposed to the elements for about 8 hours. The beer refuses clear and has a nice layer of white crap on top of the beer. I took a sample and it tastes pretty terrible. I am gonna let it ride for a few more weeks and see what happens.

Now on my most recent batch , 10 gallons split into 2 fermentors one is clearing up and the yeast is dropping fast while the other still has what looks like tons of yeast in suspension. I am worried that this batch might be infected as well.

I havn't ever had a problem in a year and half until these last 2 batches.

JonK331 · 08-10-2012, 11:41 PM

Time for a major cleaning. Replace all your hoses and deep clean everything including the containers you store your stuff in.

avidhomebrewer · 08-11-2012, 02:16 AM

Let that second one go and let it settle for another week or so, assuming fermentation has subsided. But yes, I think it sounds like a good cleaning is in order.

Prymal · 08-11-2012, 02:23 AM

Yeah, I'll let both beers ride and see what happens I am just really annoyed if my suspicions are correct. Purely from a standpoint of keeping the supply steady. But yes I plan on a major cleaning day before I brew again.

**Pappers_** · 08-11-2012, 02:38 AM

Anything you don't replace - bleach bomb it (then rinse very well). Worked for me!

zacster · 08-11-2012, 09:24 AM

Hose is pretty cheap to replace. I always feel I need to replace anything that I can't reach with a brush at some point, and my auto-siphon comes to mind. I wish the little piece at the bottom that allows the one-way flow came off. Even my bottling wand disassembles for cleaning. Also check your carboy corks, run a brush through the airlock hole with some cleaner and then sanitize.

When I've run my narrow brush through hose I'm always amazed at what comes off, but I can't reach all the way in. Maybe a longer brush, like 2-3 feet, would be a good purchase to keep them clean. No amount of agitation or forcing cleaner through seems to work.

This thread makes me realize I'm due for a thorough cleaning of everything again.

Prymal · 08-11-2012, 04:24 PM

Well the newest batch started to clear up finally. It must have just caught a lot more of the trub then normal. And the Belgian pale I thought was infected turned out to just be a reflection of the yeast and hop particles stuck to the top of the carboy. The beer is tasting better but still seems off so I'll let it mellow for a long while before I drink it.

Thanks for all of the advice though. After the scare I will most def be cleaning the crap out of my equipment. Before I brew my porter next week.