Beginner Explosion

[idahobrew]

Hi all, well my first brew exploded in the carboy about 12 hours in to the brew. I am using a True Brew Wheat American style all malt. Anyway I noticed the brew fermenting like crazy about 12 hours in. I opened the little plastic top on the airlock and it started foaming big time. So as I was trying to relieve the pressure the damn thing blew and it scared the crap out of me. Put a towel around the carboy as it was foaming all over, real slow but a lot of foam. So this is the really stupid part, I just left it alone and the foaming subsided. I didn't realize I was letting air in (just dumb). So it sat like that for 24 hours or so. Then I realized my mistake, cleaned and sanitized the airlock and the top of the carboy. Put it back on and I'm still getting some CO2 production. My main worries are that I lost most of my yeast thru all the lost foam and the beer will be ruined from the exposure to air for that period of time. I feel like an ass. I'd rather be posting successfull stories, oh well. This won't stop me from brewing another batch, I will use the overflow hose (or whatever it's called) next time. The batch still looks good and smells good so I guess we will see what happens. Would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

 

[KevinWagner]

Relax, your beer will be fine. There's still plenty of yeast in your beer to finish the job. With such a vigorous fermentation, contamination is unlikely. Next time, use a blowoff tube.

-K

 

[phatspade]

It'll still turn out just fine. You're not the only person on these boards that has done it. If the fermentation was still vigorous then you'll have the tasty beer since CO2 is heavier than air and stay in the carboy. All you lost was some yeast and built up pressure. If it were me I'd still keep the batch rolling just to see how it turns out.

 

[phuff7129]

Definitely get a blowoff tube. Congratulations on your first blow up! We all have had them and it sounds like you handled it just fine. Don't worry, the entire time your airlock was off it was still producing co2 so most likely you wont suffer from any oxidation. I am enjoying a home brew right now that the top blew while I was out of town and it is mighty tasty. RDWHAHB

 

[AdamPag]

There are billions of yeast cells in there, you cant possibly get rid of them. As for leaving the carboy OPEN, Ive heard of people doing that during intense fermentation, the CO2 escaping at high rates "protects" your wort to some extent. Next time, be prepared and have a blow off ready. Dont dump it, let it ride, watch for contamination, it could be awesome beer

 

[damisnguy2000]

You can brew with an open ferment. No airlock/lid. If your yeast are cracking in with the job, you have nothing to worry about.
Making beer is a lot easier than a lot of people make it out to be. Relax and enjoy the experience

 

[steelerfanatic7]

Theres really no need to worry. Brewing tv on northern brewers website has an episode all about open fermentation where they leave the top off completely until fermentation is almost done and then seal it. Kinda gives a different perspective about the need to seal it up before fermentation nears completion

 

[idahobrew]

Well I have to thank each and everyone one of you for posting back. Hopefully this batch will survive and will make some good beer.

Thanks once again,
Gary

 

[CourtHouseBrewing]

What was the reason it blew up? I have now only done 4 batches and they never get that active. Is it the yeast you used or the fermentation temp? Could it be the amount of oxygen before the yeast was put in? I would like to find out what makes this happen.

 

[steelerfanatic7]

What was the reason it blew up? I have now only done 4 batches and they never get that active. Is it the yeast you used or the fermentation temp? Could it be the amount of oxygen before the yeast was put in? I would like to find out what makes this happen.

There is nothing wrong with an aggressive fermentation, it means the yeast are happy. the reason it blew up had to be a clogged airlock. Putting a blowoff tube will prevent an explosion unless it gets clogged. Pitching enough healthy yeast at optimal temps will give you a good fermentation.