First boil in the bag!

IvanTheTerrible · 11-18-2007, 02:22 PM

All went well yesterday with my Pale Ale kit. The boil (caught the hot break before the boil over), the cooling (it took exactly 30 minutes), the transfer into the bucket...no complaints. I was meticulous, borderline OCD about sanitation. Overall a good experience except I didnt realize the smells would overpower the entire house (wife almost killed me!)

Took my hydrometer reading and it was 1.040 (the instructions said it would be 1.043, so close enough.) And locked her up at 2-2:30.

Last night at 9 oclock she was bubbling away. This morning I havent really seen too many bubbles... maybe 1 or 2 per minute...hope it's okay. Any comments/suggestions/words of comfort welcomed.

Anyway, just wanted to share my story! Thanks for everyones help.
-I

AlaskaBrewing · 11-18-2007, 04:10 PM

My wife and I love the smells from my brewing. My first all grain was even better. Sometimes I go to the brew shop just to smell the grains. Hope it turns out good.

hellfireSam · 11-18-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IvanTheTerrible

All went well yesterday with my Pale Ale kit. The boil (caught the hot break before the boil over), the cooling (it took exactly 30 minutes), the transfer into the bucket...no complaints. I was meticulous, borderline OCD about sanitation. Overall a good experience except I didnt realize the smells would overpower the entire house (wife almost killed me!)

Took my hydrometer reading and it was 1.040 (the instructions said it would be 1.043, so close enough.) And locked her up at 2-2:30.

Last night at 9 oclock she was bubbling away. This morning I havent really seen too many bubbles... maybe 1 or 2 per minute...hope it's okay. Any comments/suggestions/words of comfort welcomed.

Anyway, just wanted to share my story! Thanks for everyones help.
-I

great job

boo boo · 11-18-2007, 10:49 PM

Either your fermentation has finished fast or it has slowed down due to lower fermentation tempertures than recommended for the yeast. Check your ambient temperture to see if it is low and if it is OK then take a gravity reading in a day or two to see where it is.

avidhomebrewer · 11-18-2007, 11:58 PM

Give it more time. I usually let the beer sit in primary for about 2 weeks at around 65 or so, then rack it to secondary and let it sit about another 2 weeks. If that doesn't work, you can always wrap a blanket or something similar around it for added heat, or get one of the carboy warmers.

I hear ya about the wife almost killing you about the smell-that is why I got a dual propane burner and went to the garage, although brewing in the Wisconsin winters kinda sucks.

IvanTheTerrible · 11-19-2007, 12:39 AM

the temp is 70 on the dot... I'll let it do its thing for 7 days. The airlock isnt bubbling but I could see that the lid is like inflated with the co2 and if I put even the slightest pressure on it (the lid) the airlock bubbles. Has anyone seen this before?

**eddie** · 11-19-2007, 01:29 AM

Sure. It's right on the cusp of bubbling. RDWAHAHB.

IvanTheTerrible · 11-19-2007, 05:19 PM

I decided to move it this morning to a slightly warmer area... +- 75 degrees, to see if anything happens? I'll let you know tonight when I get home.

-I

IvanTheTerrible · 11-20-2007, 06:55 PM

okay...I know there is CO2 inside because the lid is always swollen, and I could smell the alchohol. However, I do not see that active bubbling that occurs in all the pics and videos except for the first afternoon, and later that night.

Should I open it up and check out what's happening or should I let it sit the 7 days before I transfer it?

IvanTheTerrible · 11-20-2007, 07:36 PM

BTW...I dont think I'll ever ferment in the bucket again...I cant see whats going on and it's driving me to drink!... I just hope I'll be able to drink my own brew...