Have been into home brewing now 4 months. Done 3 batches that all turned out a lot better than expected ... An IPA, IRA and Porter ... Just cooked up a new batch yesterday of a stronger IPA (hopefully) ...
Have learned so much about building a bigger yeast starter, really oxygenating the wort, keeping everything really clean, doing it right the first time and leaving the beer alone while it does its thing.
I have two questions I can hopefully get some help with:
1) On my current batch I went for a bigger bolder IPA. Got a OG of 060 and built a starter with a smack pack and 1.5 liters of low gravity wort. Really oxygenated the wort and 16 hours after pitching yeast, it is fermenting like CRAZY. Lid would have blown if I didn't get there. Clogs up airlock literally within a minute after cleaning, replacing 5 times.
So, my question is should I try the anti foaming product Fermcap-S (any downside???) or go with a blow off tube?
Much more foaming this batch probably because it's higher OG, much better oxygenating of wort and healthier, bigger yeast pitch.
2) If I'm going to use a secondary fermenter, should I cold crash the primary (after a week of primary fermenting) first for a day or two before transfering to secondary fermenter? Any possible negative effect on my IPA by doing this???
Thanks for any help anyone with experience can offer!!!
Have learned so much about building a bigger yeast starter, really oxygenating the wort, keeping everything really clean, doing it right the first time and leaving the beer alone while it does its thing.
I have two questions I can hopefully get some help with:
1) On my current batch I went for a bigger bolder IPA. Got a OG of 060 and built a starter with a smack pack and 1.5 liters of low gravity wort. Really oxygenated the wort and 16 hours after pitching yeast, it is fermenting like CRAZY. Lid would have blown if I didn't get there. Clogs up airlock literally within a minute after cleaning, replacing 5 times.
So, my question is should I try the anti foaming product Fermcap-S (any downside???) or go with a blow off tube?
Much more foaming this batch probably because it's higher OG, much better oxygenating of wort and healthier, bigger yeast pitch.
2) If I'm going to use a secondary fermenter, should I cold crash the primary (after a week of primary fermenting) first for a day or two before transfering to secondary fermenter? Any possible negative effect on my IPA by doing this???
Thanks for any help anyone with experience can offer!!!
