Brew problem

[kermettfrog]

Hi there, i have two brews that have been fermenting for a couple of weeks now. The European lager which seems to have turned out well and Coopers Australian Ale...which hasnt (i dont think)

The coopers Aussie ale has taken on a very dark colour. Any ideas if this should have happened? i guess not! oxidisation?

The difference in the two bres were that the european lager was fermented in a presurised barrel so the lid was never opened. The ale however was done in a standard FV.

Is my brew ruined. I checked hte hydrometer all the way and it seemd perfeect.

 

[abeyptfc]

does it smell ok?
is there any films on top of the brew or a vinegary taste to it?
what hydro reading do u have?
I usually bottle my coopers kit after 2 weeks in the fv and they are fine so I would give that a try, depending on the answers you give to the above questions!
the aussie pale ale is the next one I was looking at trying.

 

[kermettfrog]

does it smell ok?
is there any films on top of the brew or a vinegary taste to it?
what hydro reading do u have?
I usually bottle my coopers kit after 2 weeks in the fv and they are fine so I would give that a try, depending on the answers you give to the above questions!
the aussie pale ale is the next one I was looking at trying.

Thanks for the reply.
There doesnt appear to be any films. The only thing, there were small floaters that seemed to be dropping off the lid of the FV. A creamy substance. i think is the yeast right? sorry for the novice questions. Just paranoid over the use of the FV as compared to my sealed keg.

The hydro reading was down around 1005. i believe that is expected?

 

[abeyptfc]

does it smell ok?
is there any films on top of the brew or a vinegary taste to it?
what hydro reading do u have?
I usually bottle my coopers kit after 2 weeks in the fv and they are fine so I would give that a try, depending on the answers you give to the above questions!
the aussie pale ale is the next one I was looking at trying.

Thanks for the reply.
There doesnt appear to be any films. The only thing, there were small floaters that seemed to be dropping off the lid of the FV. A creamy substance. i think is the yeast right? sorry for the novice questions. Just paranoid over the use of the FV as compared to my sealed keg.

The hydro reading was down around 1005. i believe that is expected?

yeah that will just be the yeast that has stuck to the lid after fermentation. yeah 1005 is ideal for bottling, I'd go for it. give it a wee sample and make sure its not vinegary or off tasting. I once bottled my coopers canadian blonde at 1014, I usually just throw everything in the bucket then bottle it after 2 weeks( I don't usually bother checking the hydrometer readings during fermentation although you're meant to, the less you mess about with the beer then the less chance of infection!), I had my bottling bucket and all the bottles sanitised and couldnt be arsed waiting for the gravity to come down so just bottled it and it was fine!

 

[kermettfrog]

does it smell ok?
is there any films on top of the brew or a vinegary taste to it?
what hydro reading do u have?
I usually bottle my coopers kit after 2 weeks in the fv and they are fine so I would give that a try, depending on the answers you give to the above questions!
the aussie pale ale is the next one I was looking at trying.

Thanks for the reply.
There doesnt appear to be any films. The only thing, there were small floaters that seemed to be dropping off the lid of the FV. A creamy substance. i think is the yeast right? sorry for the novice questions. Just paranoid over the use of the FV as compared to my sealed keg.

The hydro reading was down around 1005. i believe that is expected?

yeah that will just be the yeast that has stuck to the lid after fermentation. yeah 1005 is ideal for bottling, I'd go for it. give it a wee sample and make sure its not vinegary or off tasting. I once bottled my coopers canadian blonde at 1014, I usually just throw everything in the bucket then bottle it after 2 weeks( I don't usually bother checking the hydrometer readings during fermentation although you're meant to, the less you mess about with the beer then the less chance of infection!), I had my bottling bucket and all the bottles sanitised and couldnt be arsed waiting for the gravity to come down so just bottled it and it was fine!

Mate, thanks a million for the help here. il give it a go. thing is though, i will be setting up my corny keg keg for the first time dispensing from a tap. might be worth using this batch for that as a tester then bottle the remaining few litres. thanks. :thumb:

 

[abeyptfc]

aye sounds good, ive just received my 2 new kegs today, ive got a coopers mexican cerveza and a 'milestones' raspberry wheat beer in my 2 FV's the now so they will be the first brews in the keg! cant wait for it man, the brews wont be ready for another week and a half though! see if you go onto youtube and type in 'craigtube', that guy does loads of brewing vids that helped me starting out.

 

[kermettfrog]

i must get a look at 'craigtube'. can never have too much info when it comes to this kegging business. in work at moment and they have it blocked! Are you using co2 cylinder/regulator etc?

 

[abeyptfc]

yeah co2 cylinder and regulator, not set any of it up yet though, keep in touch and we'll see how our first kegged brews go!

 

[kermettfrog]

yeah co2 cylinder and regulator, not set any of it up yet though, keep in touch and we'll see how our first kegged brews go!

will do mate. il give you a shout soon when i get pouring. good luck, and happy brewing!!!