Sediment *already*?!

[Futureman]

I just finished making my second batch of wort--my first with grain steeping (incredible smells!). My first batch of brew was a lager which turned out pretty well, despite not having ideal fermentation temps (a bit on the warm side).

Today's project was a Scotch ale (Wyeast strain #1728). Unlike the first batch, I aerated the wort, have perfect fermentation conditions and -Yowza!-I'm seeing lots of activity after 6-8 hours. I'm also surprised to see a good deal of sediment at the bottom of the fermenter (almost an inch). Is this normal (the sediment, not the yeast activity) after only 8 or so hours?

Also, I plan to defy the customary instructions leave this baby alone for a good 3-4 weeks before clarifying. Is this acceptable?

 

[shanecb]

I don't think the amount of sediment is abnormal. The last batch I brewed (a hefe) had a pretty good amount of sediment after half a day of fermenting or so.

 

[Six_O_Turbo]

Not only is it acceptable to leavw your beer in the primary for 3 or 4 weeks, many home brewers prefer it.

The sediment is not an issue, probably just stuff (technical term for protiens and hop residue) that coagulated during the boil and cooling of the wort.

 

[instapman]

Every thing you did with the second batch one would expect or hope for lots of activity after a few hours. I will agree with Six O Turbo that the sediment is no big deal. I would rather it be at the bottom of my carboy than floating around in my beer.... did you use irish moss or somthing simmilar in the boil? I just made a wheat that is my best brew yet and it had minimal cake in the primary(I was expecting much more) so im not sure that the cake makes the beer...

 

[KevinW]

I just finished making my second batch of wort--my first with grain steeping (incredible smells!). My first batch of brew was a lager which turned out pretty well, despite not having ideal fermentation temps (a bit on the warm side).

Today's project was a Scotch ale (Wyeast strain #1728). Unlike the first batch, I aerated the wort, have perfect fermentation conditions and -Yowza!-I'm seeing lots of activity after 6-8 hours. I'm also surprised to see a good deal of sediment at the bottom of the fermenter (almost an inch). Is this normal (the sediment, not the yeast activity) after only 8 or so hours?

Also, I plan to defy the customary instructions leave this baby alone for a good 3-4 weeks before clarifying. Is this acceptable?

The "sediment" is what you want to see. It is mostly cold break material(proteins and the like) that settles out after the boil. Once the bulk of the fermentation is finished(4-10 days) then the yeast will settle on top of the break material.

3-4 weeks is a great idea(in my opinion). I usually rack from the primary to a bottling bucket then to the bottle and condition for about 3 weeks more in the bottle.

 

[BeerJorge]

The Scottish Ale yeast strain #1728 has high flocculation, so yes, it is normal to see sediment already. That's what will give you the malty sweetness.

You may need to rouse the yeast, but you're well on your way to brew a good beer.