Color changes

billvon · 02-10-2010, 04:26 PM

I'm currently fermenting a 4 gallon batch of Belgian double. It started out very dark, even darker than the Porter fermenting next to it. I assumed that was from the dark candy. Then as fermentation really got going it cleared to a color close to a Hefeweizen - it was a bit lighter than a Pyramid hef.

Now at the two week mark it's turning darker again. Not quite as dark as the Porter was but it's close. I don't much care about what color it is, but I am curious to know what the mechanism for the color change is. Anyone have an idea?

BTW it tastes pretty good and the gravity is close to predictions.

mojotele · 02-10-2010, 04:56 PM

It's the yeast. Once it multiplies enough to fill up the volume of the beer, it appears lighter. Once it starts settling out, it gets darker again.

billvon · 02-10-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojotele

It's the yeast. Once it multiplies enough to fill up the volume of the beer, it appears lighter.

That makes sense, thanks.