bottom fermenting yeast loose lid fermentation

[tdoug19]

I am on my 6th batch of home brew and have started modifying the kits I have been using. The spray malt I used on my last blonde ale turned out really well. My latest brew has been an English Pale Ale. I have read that the yeast in the kits suck , so I wanted to try some yeast that was suited to the brew other than what was in the kit. I went to my LHBS and picked up some SafAle S04 for English Style ALES. The guy there told me this was bottom fermenting yeast so I should not see a lot of Foam during fermentation.

I have two questions.
1. From what I have read, fermentation for ales should be top fermenting?

2. I use a loose lid fermentation and have relied on the CO2 layer to prevent infection. After 4 or 5 days I rack it into a secondary carboy with an air lock. If it is bottom fermenting will I still have this CO2 layer to prevent infection?

Thanks,

 

[PseudoChef]

1. Dude is wrong, you are right. S-04 is top fermenting.

2. I also use a loose lid and don't have issues. However, racking at 4-5 days is too early, even by my standards. Wait until fermentation is complete, then wait an additional 48 hours or so for the yeast to metabolise fermentation byproducts (acetaldehyde, diacetyl, etc). Then rack if you really need to. However, just letting the beer sit in primary will not adversely affect it.

 

[frazier]

Your LHBS guy is wrong. S04 is an ale yeast ("top fermenting"), which in my experience just means it makes a bunch of kraeusen on top before it settles down. It's a good choice for an English ale.

And yes, it will make lots of CO2. Cheers!

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

Not sure about the co2 layer with bottom fermenting yeast, I've only done ales so far. But I believe safale 04 is an ale yeast and should thus be top fermenting. I've only used saf 04 once, I didn't care for it, but I know it krausened on the top of my beer.

 

[heferly]

Not sure about the co2 layer with bottom fermenting yeast, I've only done ales so far. But I believe safale 04 is an ale yeast and should thus be top fermenting. I've only used saf 04 once, I didn't care for it, but I know it krausened on the top of my beer.

So4 is english ale, and all yeast fart co2

 

[tdoug19]

Well so far it looks to be bottom fermenting as it has been 14 hours and does not have the activity (no sign of foam or bubbling) that my other 5 batches had. I also did a google seach and did find references to SafAle S-04 bottom fermenting (http://brewersconnection.com/popup/SafaleS04.htm). I figure that whatever the case, bottom or top fermenting, it still has to produce CO2 and the good stuff. I just do not want an infection..

 

[tdoug19]

Well, this the brew has been fermenting for 3 days and I have krausen (quite a bit acutally). I guess this yeast was top fermenting..