1st Batch - Columbus IPA

[mkdonios]

This is my first batch ever and followed the instructions that came with the kit to the letter. I only have two concerns.

1. The clarity seems cloudy to me. Instructions say to bottle after 2 weeks in the primary. Should I let it sit in primary for another week?

2. I wasn't quite sure about my by sanitizing skills. Noticed a film at the top. Is this normal?

Here are the specs.

Columbus IPA

9lbs Light Malt Extract
1.5lbs Crystal 15L

1oz Columbus 60min
2oz Columbus 5min
2oz Columbus 1min

SafeAle US-05 pitched at 70Degrees

Brewed 5/17/2012
OG 1.056
Primary 14days
FG 1.013 - 5/30/2012

Columbus IPA in Primary

 

[djfriesen]

I would leave it in for another week, depending on what the "film" is. I'm at work and can't load the picture, so maybe someone else will chime in. Does it resemble little pockets of small bubbles or white globs? Or does it have big, translucent, white bubbles, or a powdery texture to it?

If it's the latter two, or someone else can confirm an infection, I would bottle and drink ASAP. You might have made a decent sour IPA, but it's pretty unlikely. If the "film" is actually yeast rafts or hop residue, another week will certainly not harm the beer, and will likely help get rid of any off flavors due to imperfections in your process.

 

[mkdonios]

Ah figured out how to post pics. Here is the picture of the top of the primary and a picture of the clarity.

I rechecked the FG it still reads 1.013. Took a sample taste and I have to say its pretty damn good. Slight malt taste with the citrusy hops coming through.

 

[neosapien]

film looks like hops matter and suspended CO2 to me. your beer is ok. I think we all freak out over our first brew.

 

[jonnyp1980]

Ah figured out how to post pics. Here is the picture of the top of the primary and a picture of the clarity.

I rechecked the FG it still reads 1.013. Took a sample taste and I have to say its pretty damn good. Slight malt taste with the citrusy hops coming through.

Looks like the lower part of your pics has a blur
to it. The second pic looks to be a concern at the bottom but again it could be that white blur. If it smells and tastes good meaning not sour I think you're in pretty good shape.

 

[mkdonios]

Looks like the lower part of your pics has a blur
to it. The second pic looks to be a concern at the bottom but again it could be that white blur. If it smells and tastes good meaning not sour I think you're in pretty good shape.

I think the blur came from the reflection from the plastic carboy.

My only concern now is the clarity. When I pulled a sample the look resembled more of a Hefe than an IPA. Will the haze settle after bottling and conditioning?

 

[neosapien]

yes. after 3+ weeks in a primary and 2-3 weeks conditioning and fridge time, they will be more clear.

 

[Calichusetts]

2-3 weeks conditioning and fridge time

This! 2 weeks clear up just about every beer as much as it possibly can. You can also cold crash it, or simply put it in some colder water for a few days to get it to settle more. Try to leave the carboy as still as possible and only move it once if you have to, the night before you bottle. That gives your beer a chance to resettle.