Did I ruin my first batch?

My first attempt at producing children is leaving an off-taste. Should I let them ferment out, bottle them off to college and see how they turn out or should I toss the whole batch for adoption and free up my fermentor for a second attempt?

I think I stored my yeast at too high a temperature. Either that or the yeast is too old. My wife says I pitched too early bit I think she's just being mean.

Send them to college and try again. This time pitch late and large!

RDWHAHB!

RC0032 said:

Send them to college and try again. This time pitch late and large!

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My problem is that on brewing day I get over-excited and I pitch before I realize. It's a while before I can get myself ready to re-pitch. Should I make a starter in advance and store it in the refrigerator? I don't think I can fill a 2L soda bottle.

Could be that you have an infectious process going on. That's what I attribute most off-flavors to, anyway. Some wild yeast drifting in the batch and taking over, methinks. Use more sanitizer and control the process more tightly.

Bedlam said:

Could be that you have an infectious process going on. That's what I attribute most off-flavors to, anyway. Some wild yeast drifting in the batch and taking over, methinks. Use more sanitizer and control the process more tightly.

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Wild yeast? Crap. I need some sort of locking device on my primary?

GroovePuppy said:

My problem is that on brewing day I get over-excited and I pitch before I realize. It's a while before I can get myself ready to re-pitch. Should I make a starter in advance and store it in the refrigerator? I don't think I can fill a 2L soda bottle.

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I think the problem was you pitched when it was too hot! If you just hadn't had such a vigorous boil going?? I'm sure this batch will be fine.

HBHause said:

I think the problem was you pitched when it was too hot! If you just hadn't had such a vigorous boil going?? I'm sure this batch will be fine.

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I sure hope so. It was mellowing nicely but seems to have developed a snotty "teenage" attitude. Can I do anything to relieve the bitterness? Dry hop? Finings? Clip 'round the ear?

GroovePuppy said:

I sure hope so. It was mellowing nicely but seems to have developed a snotty "teenage" attitude. Can I do anything to relieve the bitterness? Dry hop? Finings? Clip 'round the ear?

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Snotatude is a tough one. Place in a cool dark room and check on it every once in awhile.

Snotatude is difficult to contain once it gets going, but now is the time for prevention of future ills. Remember that locking device you mentioned? Now's the time.

WHATEVER YOU DO!

DO NOT

Send them to me for proper disposal!

Well, I hate to be mean, but there is NO way I'm doing a first batch swap with you. I mean, I had few problems with the first batch (if I do say so myself) but I'm glad it's over and gone. It really was not bad for a beginner.

The second batch was easier, but I've heard that's typically true. I didn't have to worry about infectious processes, but it seemed like this one costs significantly more than the first batch.

I don't think you want a starter, but you may want to slow down the pitching rate. You still want to pitch the same volume, but you may want to spend more time aerating. Even some dry hopping before pitching might make the batch more palatable.

Blowoff anyone?

dont want to make a mess!

Bedlam said:

Snotatude is difficult to contain once it gets going, but now is the time for prevention of future ills. Remember that locking device you mentioned? Now's the time.

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+1 on this. It is harder once it gets going. You might consider the lock to keep from negative elements and lessen future risks.

YooperBrew said:

You still want to pitch the same volume, but you may want to spend more time aerating. Even some dry hopping before pitching might make the batch more palatable.

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I don't know if it's just an urban-myth but I understood the side-effect of too much dry-hopping was that it affected the eyesight.

GroovePuppy said:

I don't know if it's just an urban-myth but I understood the side-effect of too much dry-hopping was that it affected the eyesight.

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<reaches for glasses> Just a myth, ya, a myth, that's it. I've heard your blow-off tube can be affected though.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

I'm pissed that you started this AFTER I left work, so I missed all the action...But this is a great thread....

Uh...don't dump them unless they smell like satan's anus, you hear me? Just stick em in a closet (or off to boarding school) and they will mellow out with age.

Well played my friend, well played!!!!!!!