Newbies 2nd batch with some DIY cooling chamber

Pivzavod · 10-21-2008, 06:29 PM

Yesterday I received a package with 2 extract kits from AHS, flipped a coin and brewed AHS Blue Moon clone (my 2nd batch). I have learned a lot from this site and avoided making mistakes that I did with my first batch which is in bottles but has that nasty yeasty / wine taste which I guess was because of high fermentation temps.

Second time around I was a lot more prepared and had a cooking thermometer (pitched yeast at 79.8F) and had a cooler which will keep temperature steady. Below are some pics:

cooling the wort

pics of the cooler, note how I have blow off tube going inside for 1.5 inch and then spirals around the fermenter before going inside of 16oz snapple bottle filled 1/2 way with water. I also placed my hydrometer test tube with the sample of the beer I kept so that it ferments in the same place as the primary. I also have an external thermometer for temperature control and will keep this batch for 3 weeks between 60-68F

Thoughts, comments are appreciated

carnevoodoo · 10-21-2008, 06:38 PM

I would have cooled more before pitching the yeast. 80 degrees is a bit warm. If you're keeping it between 60-68, you should be able to pitch lower as well.

Also, I would try and keep it as close to the same temp as possible. If you're swinging 8 degrees in a day, that might put some stress on the yeast. It is definitely better to keep it in the range you're at, but try to minimize the fluctuations.

Pivzavod · 10-21-2008, 11:48 PM

80F is what AHS's instructions said to do. When I took out the wort out of the sink it was at 79.8F and I added it to the fermenter that had some cold water in it already so I'm sure the temperature dropped a few degrees. I also placed it in my cooler right away which lowered the temp a few more degrees. Lets see what happens, so far I see some krausen and its a stinky beer but no active fermentation yet but its been less then 24 hours.

**Malticulous** · 10-21-2008, 11:59 PM

I don't think pitching warm is much of a problem; the first thing yeast do is multiply. After they reach a certain population they really start to ferment. The wort has likely cooled to ambient temperature by then.

Pivzavod · 10-22-2008, 12:01 AM

plus I've used instructions included with the kit that came from AHS and I believe Forrest should be trusted to know how his kit should be used

**Malticulous** · 10-22-2008, 12:05 AM

A lot of ale instructions say to pitch at 78f.

luckylindy345 · 10-22-2008, 12:22 PM

Looks great! I had the same problem with my first batch (high ferm temps) and I don't think it's gonna taste right. I think I'll rig up something like this for my next batch

Pivzavod · 10-22-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luckylindy345

Looks great! I had the same problem with my first batch (high ferm temps) and I don't think it's gonna taste right. I think I'll rig up something like this for my next batch

my first batch currently in bottles definitely has an off taste but hey you learn from your mistakes. with my new cooler i will not have this type of problem again.