Oxidised Beer from moving fermentator

[Jstinchy]

So, with my last brew I moved fermentator from upstairs to the shed to cold crash (and subsequently add gelatin).

The brew got oxidised. I'm now trying to retrace my steps to avoid this happening again.

Here are the possible problems:
1. When I moved it outside, then back in, it splashed about a lot in the fermentator.
2. I removed the lid to add gelatin.
3. I syphoned into a 2nd fermentor before bottling.

I've just finished a new brew, and debating if moving it to cold crash it is worth it. Advice welcomed!

[john luc]

Remember that when you cold crash he co2 is drawn back into solution so the air space in the top of the fermenter will suck air back through the airlock.

[aamcle]

I'd guess the beer had a lot of hops as it may well have been Ok.

If there is power out to the shed a fish tank heater and a trug of water could keep a fermenter warm, the details will be here some place.

Other than that could you fit a fermentation fridge in the house?


ATB. Aamcle

[WalesAles]

J,
How do you know the beer was oxidised?
What are the tell-tale signs?

WA

[Jstinchy]

I asked on here haha.

I did a plastic test bottle for carbonation levels and it was reddish in colour (it was pale golden when syphoned).

Apparently taste/smell of damp cardboard too.

[aamcle]

Or don't cold crash.

Crashing is just a way to reduce the time the beer takes to clear, you could use finings wait then bottle or barrel without moving the FV.

It would save humping a bucket full down the stairs.


Aamcle

[Jocky]

I'm with aamcle on this. Go back to basics a bit and eliminate a few steps. Don't cold crash, and I'd say not to fine with gelatin either. Let the beer finish fermenting, leave it in a sealed up container for a few days to start dropping bright, then bottle.

Cold crashing itself may introduce oxygen as the air shrinks and sucks more air in. Opening the fermenter to add gelatin may have allowed oxygen in.

When bottling don't leave too much air space in the neck of the bottle, and if you can generate a bit of foam when filling then all the better to help purge the air space.

[richard080561]

So, with my last brew I moved fermentator from upstairs to the shed to cold crash (and subsequently add gelatin).

The brew got oxidised. I'm now trying to retrace my steps to avoid this happening again.

Here are the possible problems:
1. When I moved it outside, then back in, it splashed about a lot in the fermentator.
2. I removed the lid to add gelatin.
3. I syphoned into a 2nd fermentor before bottling.

I've just finished a new brew, and debating if moving it to cold crash it is worth it. Advice welcomed!

Were you careful to avoid splashing at step 3. If not, take more care next time, or eliminate this step.

[MashBag]

You don't mention how long you left it or how big the air gap is?

Jocky is right. Back to basics.

Also consider once a beer has finished fermentation (after a few days) . It is not producing much co2..... And that is the only thing protecting it from oxidation and contamination.