Light exposure -- how much is too much?

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StickyWicket

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Haven't been brewing that long, but all my brews have been in buckets. So, never had to worry about light. But got a few glass carboys for my birthday and immediately brewed up a 60p scotch ale. The carboy is not covered and while I've enjoyed watching the fermentation, I'm now suddenly concerned that I may have damaged my beer due to light exposure. It's in the basement, so no real exposure to sunlight, but there is a flourescent light on down there nearly all the time. It's been in the primary for a week now. Is that enough time to skunk it? Or should I chill out and put a sweatshirt on it when I get home?
 
Chill out. Direct sunlight is the most damaging. If you're not hitting it with direct sunlight you should be fine. I would suggest you cover it though. Better safe than sorry.
 
Not much you can do about it after a week anyway. Cover it when you get home and see how it turns out.

Strong fluorescent lights can skunk it as well so I would definitely try to keep it covered next time.
 
I'd give the airlock a good sniff to reassure myself of the absence of skunkiness (wasn't that a movie?), relocate the carboy to a place out of direct flourescent light, and shirt it.

BTW, exactly what kind of uh... herbs.... are you growing down there with the lights on all the time? :)
 
When your beer has a skunky flavor to it you know you've got some light exposure. If it doesn't then you'll be fine. Either way you'll make beer! Just try to keep a t-shirt on it next time. Dont forget to relax and always drink a homebrew. :mug:
 
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