"Lost" Oktoberfest found.

[Brew_Dude41]

Long story short, found a batch of Oktoberfest that I brewed last year in the fermentation chamber. It has been in there since May last year. Yes sadly I have not made it into that corner for over a year due a botched renovation and 3 2 yr old boys consuming my time.

Surprisingly the 3 peice airlock was not dry (not full and sealing the bottom holes either). The fridge has been plug and the temp control is set for 40 degrees.

I didn't pull it out to ge a good look at it, but it didn't look like anything was growing on it.

Guess the question is should I even think of trying to keg and drink it?

What are the risks of having it on the yeast that long?

Thanks all

 

[RPh_Guy]

Taste it!

And take gravity measurements 3 days apart to make sure it's finished.

 

[RM-MN]

Guess the question is should I even think of trying to keg and drink it?

What are the risks of having it on the yeast that long?

There is a chance that you have yeast autolysis but that is pretty rare at the homebrew quantity of beer. Pull a hydrometer sample to see where it ended and smell/taste that. If it smells/tastes good, get that into a keg. It could be one of your best beers.

 

[CJ-3]

Sounds like it's been lagering for a year. I bet it's going to be very smooth.

 

[lowtones84]

All of the above is my guess, too. I would doubt you have yeast autolysis given that it's been in cold conditioning the entire time, so you've probably just been lagering for a year. Get it into a keg and ready for THIS year's Oktoberfest at the end of September!

Of course I advise pulling a sample as others have mentioned.

 

[RM-MN]

All of the above is my guess, too. I would doubt you have yeast autolysis given that it's been in cold conditioning the entire time, so you've probably just been lagering for a year. Get it into a keg and ready for THIS year's Oktoberfest at the end of September!

Of course I advise pulling a sample as others have mentioned.

And another after it has been kegged for a few days....and another....

 

[lowtones84]

And another after it has been kegged for a few days....and another....

I'm guessing these are 12-16 oz. samples? I mean, might as well make it a liter sample if it's Oktoberfest.

 

[Brew_Dude41]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

A little too much going on today to get to it, but tomorrow I should be able to get it out and see what we have here.

I mean what's another day going to hurt?

Let you know.

 

[bkboiler]

So curious! Update with taste when you get a chance please...

 

[Mic Carp]

Taste it!

And take gravity measurements 3 days apart to make sure it's finished.

Literally LOL'd at work... thanks for almost getting me busted!

... Yes sadly I have not made it into that corner for over a year due a botched renovation and 3 2 yr old boys consuming my time.

Thanks all

Woah, my hat's off to you. I have twins and highly recommend it, but that's my limit. triplets? no thank you!

 

[Brew_Dude41]

Well, just pulled it out.

Tough to make out what is on the top through the plastic.

But that might be mold?


Thoughts?

 

[Brew_Dude41]

Pulled a sample.

Smells ok, but I have a poor sense of smell. Gave it a sip, and it is ok. Probably would be better once carbed but I am not going to find out.

I think it is a bit oxidized from the air lock drying out not to mention the mold (I think).

Definitely not worth kegging at this point.

 

[Brew_Dude41]

Woah, my hat's off to you. I have twins and highly recommend it, but that's my limit. triplets? no thank you!

Thanks Mic. No doubt it is a lot of work, but I cant imagine it any other way (now).

 

[Brew_Dude41]

Taste it!

And take gravity measurements 3 days apart to make sure it's finished.

Damn, i forgot to get the FG before dumping....

 

[RPh_Guy]

The color indicates it was probably mold. Good call dumping it.

Hope you can find the time to brew something good soon.

 

[EnglishAndy]

I was hoping to see that it had been fermented in glass. Sadly in plastic it didn't stand a chance. Ah well, better brew another eh?

 

[RPh_Guy]

Sadly in plastic it didn't stand a chance.

The dry airlock is to blame.

 

[Brew_Dude41]

Hope you can find the time to brew something good soon.

Actually have a Scotch ale going from Sunday and will be doing a Belgian strong next.

 

[Mic Carp]

Thanks Mic. No doubt it is a lot of work, but I cant imagine it any other way (now).

I will say that it gets easier, more expensive, sure, but physically easier LOL. Mine are 21 now and both entering their senior year of college! next major expense is weddings... I can hardy wait