First batch question. (about light)

[ZBrewMan]

So I've got my first batch of homebrew in the fermenter! (Amber Ale from Brewer's Best) Everything went pretty smoothly and I'm pretty hopeful about the final result. It's been 6 hours and it's beginning to ferment.

So it's really interesting watching the fermentation process and I'm wondering how careful I have to be about letting light in. I have the shades drawn and it's pretty dim inside, but do I need to keep it in total darkness to avoid off flavors?

 

[histo320]

In my opinion I would cover it up to not let any light in. Light can cause off flavors (skunky) and increase fermentation temperature.

I simply put an old windbreaker I don't wear over it.

 

[ArcaneXor]

Mine stay in a cooler or under a towel until I am ready to rack to the bottling bucket. I am not sure if that's really necessary, but it certainly won't hurt the beer. Exposure to sunlight can cause skunking very rapidly, as can long-term exposure to indoor lighting (especially fluorescent lights). I'd go with the better safe than sorry approach and wrap a towel on that bad boy.

 

[enderwig]

old t-shirts work great too!

 

[ZBrewMan]

Awesome guys, thanks! Got 'er wrapped in a blanket now. It's true: Better safe than sorry. Don't wanna wait for a month for some skunked up beer.