No Fermentation?

[dustinthompson85]

I am / was concerned that my latest batch was not fermenting. I cracked open the lid and took this picture. I had no airlock activity which is what made me wonder. I was hoping to see Krausen but I did not. However, it kind of looks like something is on the side walls. Not sure of that is Krausen that is fallin back in or if that is froth left over from pouring into the bucket with no rinse sanitizer. This is 7 days in. What does it look like to you? Any suggestions? It does smell like beer, doesn't smell rotten or anything. Should I pitch again? This is only my 5th batch.

 

[ACbrewer]

yes it looks like you fermented and finished.

There is something called a kerausen that occurs - it is basically a build up of foam, followed by it collapsing. That's what it looks like it happened here. Take a hydrometer reading and get ready to bottle.

 

[burninator]

What was your yeast?

 

[dustinthompson85]

Dry ale yeast. Something 05 I think

 

[Yooper]

It looks finished. It can be bottled when it is clear, or clearing.

 

[hunter_le five]

It's always important to remember that a lack of airlock activity does not automatically mean that no fermentation has occurred. Bucket fermenters are notorious for developing small leaks in the lid seals. This is not a problem, it just means the airlock isn't going to bubble.

The best thing to do is take hydrometer readings before and after. That way you can confirm with 100% certainty whether or not the beer has fermented and finished.

Judging by the picture, it certainly looks like the beer has fermented and finished. You can see where the krausen rose and fell.

 

[fartinmartin]

The hobby is worth it , get a hydrometer !

I do think that you MAY be finished, but. Get a hydrometer !

 

[dustinthompson85]

Thanks everyone. Is it safe to take a hydrometer reading right in the bucket? Or is it recommend to take out a sample?

 

[flars]

Thanks everyone. Is it safe to take a hydrometer reading right in the bucket? Or is it recommend to take out a sample?

Take the sample out. Sanitize what you will take the sample with, inside and outside. Hydrometers are easier to read when held at eye level.

Samples are also the first taste of your beer.

 

[hunter_le five]

Thanks everyone. Is it safe to take a hydrometer reading right in the bucket? Or is it recommend to take out a sample?

I always take the reading with the hydrometer in the bucket. Just make sure it's sanitized first.

 

[burninator]

Take the sample out. Sanitize what you will take the sample with, inside and outside. Hydrometers are easier to read when held at eye level.

Samples are also the first taste of your beer.

I always take the reading with the hydrometer in the bucket. Just make sure it's sanitized first.

Well, there you have it!

 

[dustinthompson85]

Thank you all. Such good responses from this community!

 

[dustinthompson85]

Fyi you were correct. Fermentation completed!!

 

[jahdub]

Well, there you have it!

You can do it in the bucket if you want, but it is not proper "lab technique" to read graduations that way. Since we're just making beer and all it tells us is the ABV / residual sweetness, it isn't a big deal to be off by a few points by reading the hydrometer in the bucket. The proper way would be to put the wort in a test jar and observe the meniscus from eye level, though.