homebrewflyfish
Active Member
Hi all, first post ever.
I started HB'n about 4 weeks ago. Got a big kit + extras from Midwest with the Irish Red Ale kit.
Tried my best to be sanitary and put the Irish in the primary, then racked it to a carboy, then bottled it on Sunday. Tasted like warm, flat beer...which would seem to me is exactly what I'm looking for at this point.
My question is about SMELL. When I opened the primary it was a rather strong alcohol smell. Now I know alcohol is expected, but this is a strong smell. Like if you get close it was somewhat of a sledgehammer to the brain. I'm a bit concerned because one day the stick-on thermometer jumped up to 78, so I'm not sure if I got some fusels.
I also put in a double IPA in the same primary bucket the week after I racked the Irish to a carboy. I just opened it to dry hop it on Sunday and there was the same smell, but stronger. Seems to fit given it's about 2x as alcoholic and that one had a much nicer fermentation in terms of temperature.
So really, it would seem to me I don't have much to be worried about.
But, still what is the right smell to expect in the primary? Because that strong alcohol smell doesn't really make me want to take a big gulp.
Thanks for your help. I'm sure I'll have many more questions along the way.
I started HB'n about 4 weeks ago. Got a big kit + extras from Midwest with the Irish Red Ale kit.
Tried my best to be sanitary and put the Irish in the primary, then racked it to a carboy, then bottled it on Sunday. Tasted like warm, flat beer...which would seem to me is exactly what I'm looking for at this point.
My question is about SMELL. When I opened the primary it was a rather strong alcohol smell. Now I know alcohol is expected, but this is a strong smell. Like if you get close it was somewhat of a sledgehammer to the brain. I'm a bit concerned because one day the stick-on thermometer jumped up to 78, so I'm not sure if I got some fusels.
I also put in a double IPA in the same primary bucket the week after I racked the Irish to a carboy. I just opened it to dry hop it on Sunday and there was the same smell, but stronger. Seems to fit given it's about 2x as alcoholic and that one had a much nicer fermentation in terms of temperature.
So really, it would seem to me I don't have much to be worried about.
But, still what is the right smell to expect in the primary? Because that strong alcohol smell doesn't really make me want to take a big gulp.
Thanks for your help. I'm sure I'll have many more questions along the way.