Hefe carbonation

[user 6240]

I've got a Hefeweizen that I force carbed at 20 psi then dispense at 3 psi. The carbonation is higher than I like. Any way for me to lower it at all? Seems too high for the type of brew.

 

[nosnhojr]

You can simply release pressure from the keg, either several times or by locking the release valve in the open position for a while, then recarb at a lower psi. Is this 20psi @ ~40F?

 

[Mikey]

This is classic overcarbonation. There is no reason to carbonise at one pressure, then dispense at another.

Reset your regulator to around 12-14 psi, and allow tiime for the excess gas to come out of solution (a few days, maybe a week) You then need to balance your dispensing line so that the beer does not foam excessively when pouring.

 

[user 6240]

It was 20 psi at 42

You can simply release pressure from the keg, either several times or by locking the release valve in the open position for a while, then recarb at a lower psi. Is this 20psi @ ~40F?

 

[nosnhojr]

It was 20 psi at 42

Yep, it's overcarbonated. I usually carbonate at 12-15 psi at 40F, and serve at the same temp and pressure. As Mikey wrote, the key is to get your system balanced. Too short a beer line will lead to excessive foaming. It's worth the trouble to balance the system, rather than having to continually adjust the regulator.