Skimming or patting Krausen

[macleanb]

Hi Guys

I am wonderring wether to mess with the krausen on this weekends AG. I have seen stuff re patting of the brown "granules" and scraping the brown scum from the sides, other places I see scraping the full krausen off - any advice?

ttfn benm

[steve_flack]

Some people skim the krausen, others don't. I fall into the second group. I try not to mess about with the beer once it's doing it's thing. Also I ferment in a conical so that makes skimming a PITA.

As far as i can see there is one reason to skim - if you're collecting a top cropping yeast for re-use. In that case, skim off the first head and collect the nice clean new one that forms.

[Stonechat]

I find these posts very interesting, and as a result of the content may have to modify how I deal with my yeast. Presently, as I brew every Monday I am ableto use live yeast barm, of which I pitch about 140g, in line with Munton's advice of using 85g to 165g for a 25litre brew (figures scaled down from the problem busting advice in their welcome pack).

I wait until 72 hours, by which time a thick creamy coloured head has formed and scoop the whole head off into a sterilised pot with a sterilised slotted spoon. Then retain the 140g by pouring into a sterilised kilner jar which sits on digital scales. Pop the lid shut and stick the jar in the back of the fridge until Monday.

Using this procedure managed to keep yeast going for 58 generations from 19/9/06 to 25/9/07. I still use the same yeast but now find that it only copes for about 12 generations, before replacement.

[Mashman]

Every Monday?

[Stonechat]

Yupp, when I listed with JBKHF I did think of using"If it's Monday it must be Brewday " as my signature, still might in fact, after all what did the Romans ever do for us?
If I had to go back to using dried yeast I'd be devastated.

[ECR]

"If it's Monday it must be Brewday "

It's all right for some

[steve_flack]

Are you drinking all of that or do you have help?

[baldyjason]

personally my brew day is any day that ends in "y"

[Stonechat]

Are you drinking all of that or do you have help?

I have help. The brewery manager likes beer and I give bottled beer to several friends who can be trusted to return the empties well rinsed out. This means I can keep the live yeast going without making my beer-belly any bigger than it is

[Stonechat]

personally my brew day is any day that ends in "y"

Any day that ends in a "y" is a day for the consumption of barley-based beverage.

Cheers

[steve_flack]

The brewery manager likes beer

Which brewery manager is that? SWMBO?

[Stonechat]

I suppose the right job description should have been brewery consultant/beer taster, as she likes the same sort of beers as me: the paler golden ales with plenty of hoppiness from Styrians, Cascade or Amarillo.