Foam ontop of fermenter even when fermentation is complete

[Tobor_8thMan]

A brewing friend asked me the following question. "Why do I have foam on-top of my fermenter even when fermentation is complete"? I looked at him puzzled. I said "Do you mean from fermentation?". His answer, "No. There's about a 3" head of foam on-top of the fermenter. What is it?"

He has this, approximately, 3" head of foam each time he has brewed/fermented. Additional questioning by me discounted the yeast, trub, etc that sometimes creates a ring at the top of the fermenter. I was assured it's a 3" foam cap covering the top of the fermenter even when fermentation is complete.

I'm stumped.

Thoughts?

 

[Gameface]

A brewing friend asked me the following question. "Why do I have foam on-top of my fermenter even when fermentation is complete"? I looked at him puzzled. I said "Do you mean from fermentation?". His answer, "No. There's about a 3" head of foam on-top of the fermenter. What is it?"

He has this, approximately, 3" head of foam each time he has brewed/fermented. Additional questioning by me discounted the yeast, trub, etc that sometimes creates a ring at the top of the fermenter. I was assured it's a 3" foam cap covering the top of the fermenter even when fermentation is complete.

I'm stumped.

Thoughts?

So this happens with various yeast strains?

Is one of the strains he uses 1469 West Yorkshire Ale yeast? It's one I'm familiar with that acts like that sometimes.

 

[Abrayton]

I’ve had Krausen not completely drop until cold crash

 

[isomerization]

Is it just krausen stuck to the sides of the fermenter and not actually a layer? Need pics!

 

[BobBailey]

Sounds like US-05. Tell him to be patient and it will drop eventually. Sometimes swirling the fermenter gently helps too.

 

[hottpeper13]

Kolsch yeast does that too.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I apologize as friend keeps changing his story. Probably the last time I try helping him. Unsure if he was trying to trick me or had too much to drink. However, I do appreciate the HBT input.

About the US-05. I use US-05 very often and haven't have any residual foaming problems. For those having US-05 ongoing foaming problems are the fermentation temps in the correct range (accounting for probably a 10F increase in temp from air/ambient temp during active fermentation)?

Or, another possibility, pitching a LOT of yeast?

 

[BobBailey]

I apologize as friend keeps changing his story. Probably the last time I try helping him. Unsure if he was trying to trick me or had too much to drink. However, I do appreciate the HBT input.

About the US-05. I use US-05 very often and haven't have any residual foaming problems. For those having US-05 ongoing foaming problems are the fermentation temps in the correct range (accounting for probably a 10F increase in temp from air/ambient temp during active fermentation)?

Or, another possibility, pitching a LOT of yeast?

I just find the krausen often remains for a few days after active fermentation subsides and then is slow to flocculate and drop clear. I use a proper pitch rate and a temperature controlled environment that I set to between 64 and 66F when using US-05.

I get much better results with Mangrove Jack's M44 US West Coast. Faster starts, quicker ferment,. great flocculation and a finish that's just as clean. Using M44 instead of US-05 gets me from grain to glass a week or more faster.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I get much better results with Mangrove Jack's M44 US West Coast. Faster starts, quicker ferment,. great flocculation and a finish that's just as clean. Using M44 instead of US-05 gets me from grain to glass a week or more faster.

Wow. I need to look into M44. Where to find? (on the net)

 

[BobBailey]

I get all of my yeast here: https://www.williamsbrewing.com/default.aspx

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Yes, thanks. I've purchased from Williams Brewing in the past. A bit costly me being on the East Coast.

 

[BobBailey]

Their yeast prices are very reasonable and they have $6.99 flat rate shipping. As a rule their prices are very competitive overall. I generally order several packets and fill the order in with other odds and ends. By doing this, even considering shipping it saves me money vs. my LHBS.

I quit ordering yeast from the LHBS because I was tired of paying a premium price for dated product. Because of that they have lost the sales of additional products that I fill in my Williams orders with as well.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Yes, I agree and understand everything written. MoreBeer is my "go to". One of their distribution places is PA. I get things within 2 days from them.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

AIH currently has free shipping. I see their M44 price is $3.99 per pack. Must spend $49.00 USD to qualify for the free shipping, but remember to check out their "On Sale" and "Clearance" items.

M44 description "A top fermenting ale strain suitable for American style ales. This yeast produces an exceptionally clean flavour, ideal for when you want the hop character to really punch through Suitable for American style pale ale, American double IPA, American style imperial stout and more. Usage Directions: Sprinkle contents directly on up to 23 L (6 US Gal) of wort. For best results ferment at 18-23 degrees C (59-74 degrees F). Storage Recommendations: Store in the fridge."

 

[BobBailey]

MoreBeer is great too. I bought all of my supplies from them for several years before my LHBS opened up. I still use them and a couple of others occasionally. I watch for sales since I retired and they have some good ones from time to time.

As an aside, Williams gets $3.99 or less for almost all of their dry yeasts, including Mangrove Jack's.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I just ordered a few M44 from AIH, taking advantage of their free shipping. Thanks for tipping me off to M44!

 

[BobBailey]

No problem. Thanks for the tip about AIH. Will be checking them out.