Riddle Me This Batman...

FredTheNuke · Dec 26, 2013

Does light damage Sour Beer?

It is not hop-centric. It ages for 18-24 months before being consumed. Is it cause for issue?

The quandary is simple. My 200 watt Lasko personal space heater has thermal overprotection BUT is in a wooden enclosure and runs at a temperature above the combustion temperature of wood. Keeping my Sours at a consistent 68F is very important. I could use three 100 watt incandescent bulbs and although they may stay on longer than the Lasko personal space heater they remain below combustion temperature BUT give off light.

Thoughts on the light bulbs vs the space heater?

statseeker · Dec 26, 2013

I would think the solution would be easy. Take whatever is cheaper to run. The light, you can put a blanket or towel around the carboy to keep the light out. Exposure to sunlight at least leads to cardboard off flavors. Even in a sour that's an undesireable flavor. So my thought is the space heater is gonna be a bit much for a small space. Go with the lights. Cover the carboy.

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FredTheNuke · Dec 26, 2013

not feasible for me to cover each individual one - it's a 60 gallon conical and 6 five gallon carboys in a 3ft x 4ft x 8.5ft enclosure. If the light only affects the hops then in a Lambic style brew they are essentially none to affect.

Cyclman · Dec 26, 2013

I can't say why, but I know light can damage wine, so it has to do with more than just isomerized hops. Can you put the bulbs into cans?

statseeker · Dec 26, 2013

Even at low IBU the flavor will still be there I feel. What about a smaller heater with temp control?

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