Fermentation/airlock obsession

[Turfmanbrad]

I'm just wondering if I'm alone here. I am on my 4th batch of beer and I can't get enough of watching my airlock or blowoff tube bubbling. I got a carboy so I could watch my krausen form. I brewed a beer last night and I'm going away for the weekend and I even considered putting up a webcam so I could see the progress. I can't wait to get home to time my bubbling pattern. So am I alone or is it a crowded boat I'm in.

 

[android]

pretty much everyone is that way for a while. i'd skip the webcam though.

 

[dragonbreath11]

Been there done that, as you trust your process more and more and mature in your brewing you'll find yourself checking the airlock less and less.

 

[IffyG]

You won't care after a while. Now the only reason I check the airlock is to make sure it hasn't dried out during a period of vigorous bubbling.

 

[makomachine]

Cure for that is to brew another batch!

 

[Thehopguy]

Im only on my third batch, and although I don't watch it too obsessively, I LOVE seeing and hearing those bubbles start, seeing the krausen form, and opening my chest freezer and getting a whiff of that fermentation smell. Hasn't gotten old yet!

 

[unionrdr]

Guys,it looks like we have another airlock sniffer...

 

[tonyolympia]

Don't forget watching the yeast dance!

I'm obsessed too. Big time airlock sniffer.

 

[unionrdr]

Also don't forget listening to the blow off...

 

[MaltnHops]

I've been brewing for about 5 years and I still love watching the airlock!

 

[Calder]

I'm over 200 batches, and I still watch it. When it starts, it's a relief that the yeast is going. Even though it's been over 150 batches since I last had a bad one, I'm always excited/concerned looking for the first signs of life.

Also seeing the changing rate also provides an indication of how it is going and where it is in the process.

I don't use buckets, so don't have leak issues, so don't subscribe to the "airlock activity is not an indication of fermentation" theory. I can understand it when you have a leak in a bucket seal, but my fermenters are well sealed and if I don't see anything, I know there is a problem.

........ After saying that I'll have a problem with my batch tomorrow, freak out, and then discover that somehow I got a leak!?!

 

[markmc40]

Guys,it looks like we have another airlock sniffer...

Everyone doesn't sniff the airlock?

 

[dover157]

Also don't forget listening to the blow off...

Can suck at 0200 when you have to get up for work at 0430 I belive somone here likened it to water toruture lol.