Does my fermentation sound ok?

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neilos

Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by neilos » Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:21 pm

Im currently 48 hours into my first brew, a coopers European lager. I've got it under an airlock and that has been bubbling away for 30 hours now (a big gulp every 7-10 seconds). There is a slight crust at the top of the bucket around the edge, and a thin layer of froth on the top. I just want a bit of reassurance that things are going ok!!

mctoon

Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by mctoon » Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:47 pm

looks good to me

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clogwog
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Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by clogwog » Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:51 pm

You are seeing exactly what you expect to see for a normal fermentation.

neilos

Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by neilos » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:01 pm

Thanks lads, I'm like a 5 year old kid just before xmas! (this is my first brew)

Deneeve

Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by Deneeve » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:47 pm

yep i think thats normal matey.

mat69

Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by mat69 » Sun Nov 15, 2009 11:05 pm

as long as the temp isnt to high,you gotta brew lager at a cooler temperature..

neilos

Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by neilos » Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:19 am

Its sitting at 19-20 oC

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Jim
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Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by Jim » Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:27 am

Most lager kits use the same yeast as ale kits (because most people don't have the facilities to ferment at lager yeast temperatures) so that temperature range is fine.
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sonicated
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Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by sonicated » Mon Nov 16, 2009 1:03 pm

I understand that Coopers European Lager comes with a lager yeast so that is too warm - it needs to be about 15C.

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cwrw gwent
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Re: Does my fermentation sound ok?

Post by cwrw gwent » Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:00 pm

I understand that Coopers European Lager comes with a lager yeast so that is too warm - it needs to be about 15C.

Coopers brewing notes for European Lager are a bit misleading;
They say,

1 The yeast supplied with Coopers European Lager is a true lager strain. Lager yeast behaves differently to the normal Coopers yeast.
2 Avoid using too much simple sugar (white sugar or dextrose) with this product as the lager yeast will ferment more thoroughly causing the beer to lack in body.
3 Preferred brewing temperature is at the low end of the recommended range i.e. 21C. Coopers European Lager yeast can ferment as low as 13C. Lower ferment temperatures extend the fermentation period. Ensure fermentation has finished before bottling.
4 It is common for lager yeast to produce a smell like eggs when fermenting, this should dissipate as the beer conditions in the bottle.
5 Allow Coopers European Lager at least 12 weeks in the bottle before consuming.


So it looks as though they recommend fermentation at 21C, though anything down to 13C will do the trick. They make no mention of temperatures for secondary fermentation (I assume it's also 21C) or conditioning (my lager bottled on 18th October is at 14/15C and I will soon move it out to the garage for two months).

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