Hi all - first post here on the forums. I had some questions about my first brew that I started about a week ago. I'm using the 1 gallon IPA kit from Brooklyn Brewery. The first steps went fine - but I had some questions about the fermentation.
First, I've noticed that there's been no off-gassing activity in the airlock. I watched it for about 5 minutes and saw nothing. When I was running the blow off tube there was plenty of CO2 being released but it subsided after two days, when I replaced it with the air lock. I wanted to know if this was OK, or if something is wrong?
Second, there's a noticeable amount of sediment at the bottom of the fermenter. I strained most of the mash through a fine mesh strainer, but had to put a large colander under it because it wasn't big enough, so some sediment got through. I strained it a second time when I transferred the wort to the carboy. I attached a picture below and wanted to know if this was a significant amount of sediment and if it will effect the brew in any way.
Lastly, there's a lot of blackish gunk built up around the top of the carboy from the first few days of fermentation (again, picture attached). Is this normal?
Overall this was a great learning experience and I feel like I did everything correctly - I definitely need to find some more accommodating equipment, like a larger strainer and an electronic thermometer for faster, more accurate temp readings.
I appreciate any help and guidance!
First, I've noticed that there's been no off-gassing activity in the airlock. I watched it for about 5 minutes and saw nothing. When I was running the blow off tube there was plenty of CO2 being released but it subsided after two days, when I replaced it with the air lock. I wanted to know if this was OK, or if something is wrong?
Second, there's a noticeable amount of sediment at the bottom of the fermenter. I strained most of the mash through a fine mesh strainer, but had to put a large colander under it because it wasn't big enough, so some sediment got through. I strained it a second time when I transferred the wort to the carboy. I attached a picture below and wanted to know if this was a significant amount of sediment and if it will effect the brew in any way.
Lastly, there's a lot of blackish gunk built up around the top of the carboy from the first few days of fermentation (again, picture attached). Is this normal?
Overall this was a great learning experience and I feel like I did everything correctly - I definitely need to find some more accommodating equipment, like a larger strainer and an electronic thermometer for faster, more accurate temp readings.
I appreciate any help and guidance!