Well, this hasn't happened to me before

[AdeptZymologyst]

So after a long hiatus, I finally got back into brewing. I decided to do a hard cider for my first post-hiatus batch. I used 5 gallons of store-bought apple juice, enough agave nectar to bring the OG up to 1.050, and a couple of packets of dry yeast I had hanging around (I was too excited to get started, and didn't even bother to check what yeast I used lol). I also added some toasted oak chips as I pitched the yeast.

Anyway -- last night, after 36 hours in the carboy, I finally saw the first visible signs of fermentation. I was excited to see its progress this morning, but didn't expect this! I've never experienced this in any beer or cider I've made in the past. Should I just clean up the airlock and continue as normal?

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1443285639.075311.jpg

 

[Scriv]

Yes, clean the airlock and put it back in. Not a lot of headspace there, you may have this a couple times.

 

[AdeptZymologyst]

Will do. I'll leave more room in my next batch. Thanks.

 

[Sammy86]

Just a suggestion but I would put a blowoff tube on that after cleanup...grab a piece of tubing connect it to the top of the airlock with the other end in some water with star San solution...make sure everything is sanitized of course and enjoy!

Welcome back to the obsession!

 

[Cathedral]

Just a suggestion but I would put a blowoff tube on that after cleanup...grab a piece of tubing connect it to the top of the airlock with the other end in some water with star San solution...make sure everything is sanitized of course and enjoy!

Welcome back to the obsession!

Definitely use a blow-off until it settles down. Otherwise you'll wake up to cider on the ceiling.