Coopers european lager

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Alexdc12
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Coopers european lager

Post by Alexdc12 » Sat Dec 29, 2018 8:17 pm

Hi all
Newbie here. In September I started to brew my coopers European lager kit. I did the first phase in the primary fv. Once the desired fg was met I transferred to a corny keg, I didnt add priming sugar as I wanted to just fill directly with co2.
I pressurised the corny keg using a soda stream co2 bottle and left it be for 3 months in the garage to be ready for Xmas.
I tried it before Xmas and was disappointed, the lager shot out so there was pressure in the keg. The lager once settled was a bit cloudy but even more disappointing was the lack of fizz. There were little to no bubbles in appearance and taste.

What have I done wrong?
Is it savable?

Tia

Haydnexport
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Re: Coopers european lager

Post by Haydnexport » Sat Dec 29, 2018 9:35 pm

how did you pressurize it? Just a blast to a certain psi? Most likely the beer has absorbed that small amount of co2 and that's it. You either need to keep the bottle connected to the keg for a week or so at the desired psi or 'force carbonate' it , basically upping the psi on the keg and agitate it by say rocking it back and forth on the floor ( i do it at 25psi for 4 mins) to 'force' the c02 into the beer. You usually do have a pint or 2 from the bottom that's cloudy if its not crystal clear before kegging, it should clear as long as it's not disturbed too much (like getting force carbonated ).

Alexdc12
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Re: Coopers european lager

Post by Alexdc12 » Sat Dec 29, 2018 9:45 pm

I just blasted it to the desired psi and then disconnected gas. What's my best bet then? Connect gas and leave it on or force carbonate? When you force carbonate do u leave the gas connected whilst agitating the lager?

Haydnexport
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Re: Coopers european lager

Post by Haydnexport » Sat Dec 29, 2018 10:50 pm

if you can wait , then connect and leave. If you can't then force carb. Yes you keep the gas on during force carbing.

Robwalkeragain
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Re: Coopers european lager

Post by Robwalkeragain » Sat Dec 29, 2018 11:52 pm

Yeah you need to leave it on for a week or so. Blast it to 30 psi to seal the lid, then knock it down to 15 or so for a highly carbonated beer. Should be fine after carbing up.
To help with clarity you could cut your dip tube a few cm. You’ll lose a little beer but it’ll stop your keg from picking up any solids that slowly settle. I’m managing fairly clear beer without much effort doing this

Alexdc12
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Re: Coopers european lager

Post by Alexdc12 » Sun Dec 30, 2018 7:22 pm

Cheers, I have pumped it up to 30psi and then knocked it down. See what happens.

Alexdc12
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Re: Coopers european lager

Post by Alexdc12 » Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:22 pm

It's been a week on the gas. Used about half a sodastream bottle. Still no bubbles showing in the glass. Taste has improved slightly though. Guess I should just leave it on the gas for a bit longer?

Alexdc12
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Re: Coopers european lager

Post by Alexdc12 » Fri Jan 18, 2019 7:02 pm

Still no fizz? Can't figure it out!

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orlando
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Re: Coopers european lager

Post by orlando » Sat Jan 19, 2019 1:03 pm

Alexdc12 wrote:
Fri Jan 18, 2019 7:02 pm
Still no fizz? Can't figure it out!
Check for leaks, spray all your fittings and lid with a weak solution of washing up liquid, look and listen for tiny bubbles.
I am "The Little Red Brooster"

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