Brewcraft Carb drops -- Over carbonation.

[Agent Brew]

My LHBS recently switched to Brewcraft carbonation drops from Coopers drops. I have done many batches with Coopers without any problems. The last two batches were bottled using Brewcraft drops and have been so over carbonated as to be undrinkable. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Anyone use Brewcraft drops with success? Thanks.

 

[PintOfBitter]

overcarbonated to undrinkability? how do you mean?

Is there a reason you're not going with the normal priming sugar method?

 

[Agent Brew]

By undrinkable I mean it has mouth feel as if you put 10 Alka-Seltzer in a 12 oz bottle of beer. It is so carbonated it upsets my stomach after just a few sips. I am surprised it didn't blow the caps off the bottles. I keg most of a 5gal batch and bottle 4 or 6 to give away to friends. I find it easier to prime that few bottles with carb drops.

 

[eanmcnulty]

overcarbonated to undrinkability? how do you mean?

Is there a reason you're not going with the normal priming sugar method?

It's funny you say "Normal."

I, normally, use Coopers. I have not tried the Brewcraft drops. I have never had a problem with the Coopers. They are so easy. I love to make things easier for me, and the Coopers do that. One drop per 12oz. bottle and two per 22oz. or 24 oz. bottle.

If you are having trouble and can't find a solution, you should try to find Coopers online and order a bunch.

 

[Shooter]

Are you sure the amount your supposed to use per bottle isn't different for the Brewcraft drops?

 

[Agent Brew]

I used the right amount, 1 drop per 12oz bottle.

 

[Shooter]

If it was only one batch I'd say possibly you have a bug in there eating up the extra sugar and overcarbonating them, but it sounds like this has been in multiple batches.

Are you sure fermentation was complete when you bottled?

 

[Agent Brew]

I usually don't take a FG reading, but let it ferment for 10 to 14 days. This method has always worked for me in the past with good results. The only other common thread is the fermenter and bottles. If this next batch is over carbonated using Coopers drops, then I think it may be "a bug in there eating up the extra sugar"..

 

[Agent Brew]

Here is a picture. Notice the large amount of bubbles at the bottom.

 

[PintOfBitter]

It's funny you say "Normal."

I, normally, use Coopers. I have not tried the Brewcraft drops. I have never had a problem with the Coopers. They are so easy. I love to make things easier for me, and the Coopers do that. One drop per 12oz. bottle and two per 22oz. or 24 oz. bottle.

If you are having trouble and can't find a solution, you should try to find Coopers online and order a bunch.

There's nothing wrong with using them, but the average homebrewer uses priming sugar as opposed to drops. Having unboiled sugar added to your beer does add another path for baddies to infiltrate your bottles. You may care or may not.

You should think about using your hydrometer to gauge the end of fermentation. You can get away with going by the calendar most of the time, but fermentations vary, sometimes for no apparent reason.

I'd be willing to bet the drops are not causing your overcarbonation.

For now, you could just open a beer at room temp, put some foil over the mouth, and chill before drinking. Or, serve at room temp and pour in a frozen mug.

 

[eanmcnulty]

Having unboiled sugar added to your beer does add another path for baddies to infiltrate your bottles.

I know, but I saw them and tried them, and they worked. I guess until I have a problem I'm going to use them. I hope I don't have a problem.

Are the Brewcraft drops the little ones?