Dry Hopping - particles flying around after 10 days

[Kancho]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to homebrewing and am still just doing extract kits. I'm currently finishing up (hopefully!) a black ipa.

I left it in the primary for 3 weeks, then dry hopped with 2 oz of pellets (centennial and citra).

I just pitched them in- plus I don't have a secondary.

I wanted to bottle after 7 days, but when I went to look at the carboy, not only was there a krausen-like layer on top, but I could see not only this matter sinking to the bottom, there were little things from the bottom shooting up.

A friend of mine told me to wait a few more days, then just siphon from under this layer, being careful not to suck up too much of it.

My two questions are:

1. Is it okay to do this (rack anyway), even though there are things flying around in between the top and bottom layers?

2. Is this normal?

Two other things:

I've read that cold crashing could fix this issue, but I don't have the capability to do this (Climate where I live or freezer/fridge)

The yeast was a liquid yeast, but I don't remember the type.

Thanks in advance!

 

[frazier]

What you are describing sounds very normal:

1) The hop pellets break up and form a sludge-like layer on top;

2) Bits and pieces gradually sink to the bottom;

3)When they get to the bottom, bits of yeast colonies off-gas dissolved CO2, and may hitch a ride to the top.

If it worries you, just give it more time. Eventually it all sinks to the bottom. In any case, you can put a hop bag over the outflow of your siphon when you rack.

Cheers!

 

[Kancho]

Thanks for the reply!

I was also worried that if I wait longer, the dry hopping will have lost its effect.

My biggest concern was obviously whether something was wrong, so it's good to hear that it's probably ok.

 

[flars]

The hop bag I use at the out flow end of the siphon tube was made from a fine mesh grain bag. Sewed it up to have about one inch in diameter and eight inches long. Hold it on to the siphon tube with a rubber band.

 

[lolcats]

Nothing's wrong, if you can't crash cool it, you'll just have a hop haze... No big deal i actually like it like that (more hop flavor imo)

 

[Kancho]

Yes, I was thinking to just rack it this time.

I could see myself messing up or getting frustrated if something goes wrong with a strainer/hop bag.

Thanks again!