Just whipped up my very first 5gal batch 2 weeks ago, an APA recipe purchased locally. Realized a few mistakes that I made after the fact and now wondering how critical the effects will turn out to be.
I realize the answer will arrive once it's time to taste for myself, but thought I would seek more informed & experienced dialogue here...
1st MISTAKE (and I suspect the most significant) was that I failed to start the Wyeast 'smack' pack in advance - It was just something I merely overlooked in the instructions. Basically, just tore the pack and pitched into Carboy when temp was <80.
Being my first time, I was not sure what to expect visually or how quickly fermentation would begin. I now realize that I put the yeast in a tough spot but they did kick in after about 30 hours, just was not sure how vigorous mine were compared to what might have been if I gave them the proper start. So I am wondering how much this will impact the end result.
2nd MISTAKE : I failed to 'top off' carboy up to the 5-gal line. I left about 3 inches more than 'ideal'. As a result, the krausen (is this also known as trob?) did not blow off thru the tube and subsequently settled back down after fermentation subsided. I have done some reading and realize this may likely impart some not so pleasant qualities, but just wanted to know if anyone has experienced quality results having made a similar mistake.....
I allowed to ferment a few days longer (16) than recipe suggested (10-14). Did not have a hydrometer yet, but do now for future use.
Just bottled it yesterday. Should I give it more than 10 days ? Will this perhaps compensate for the yeast's rough start?
Thanks for any input.
Toolman
BTW : already brewed a 2nd batch (IPA this time) and everything went much smoother and seemingly right on track with the instructions.
I realize the answer will arrive once it's time to taste for myself, but thought I would seek more informed & experienced dialogue here...
1st MISTAKE (and I suspect the most significant) was that I failed to start the Wyeast 'smack' pack in advance - It was just something I merely overlooked in the instructions. Basically, just tore the pack and pitched into Carboy when temp was <80.
Being my first time, I was not sure what to expect visually or how quickly fermentation would begin. I now realize that I put the yeast in a tough spot but they did kick in after about 30 hours, just was not sure how vigorous mine were compared to what might have been if I gave them the proper start. So I am wondering how much this will impact the end result.
2nd MISTAKE : I failed to 'top off' carboy up to the 5-gal line. I left about 3 inches more than 'ideal'. As a result, the krausen (is this also known as trob?) did not blow off thru the tube and subsequently settled back down after fermentation subsided. I have done some reading and realize this may likely impart some not so pleasant qualities, but just wanted to know if anyone has experienced quality results having made a similar mistake.....
I allowed to ferment a few days longer (16) than recipe suggested (10-14). Did not have a hydrometer yet, but do now for future use.
Just bottled it yesterday. Should I give it more than 10 days ? Will this perhaps compensate for the yeast's rough start?
Thanks for any input.
Toolman
BTW : already brewed a 2nd batch (IPA this time) and everything went much smoother and seemingly right on track with the instructions.