fermentation, what should it look like

[craigite]

I like to use yeast from my local brewery, It usually works well.
However, I seem to get a chocolate brown skin on top of the fermentation.
Today, 24hours after I pitched the yeast this 3-5mm thick chocolate coloured skin had completely covered the brew. I could almost remove this skin in one; it was very firm and stable.

Sorry but not the best picture, I'd be happy with this but you can see the brown skin developing.

I've always assumed it is old yeast and that it could be skimmed?

To be honest I would like to see the classic cauliflower head, but all I tend to get is a thin creamy head with this thick brown skin.

My brews work fine and usually take about 5-7 days to ferment so this is not a major issue, I would just like a bit of education :pray:

 

[prolix]

that is a thing of beauty, you can remove the crud but it doesn't do any harm really unless you leave you beer in the fermenter for 3 or 4 weeks

 

[Baz Chaz]

Luverly sight :thumb:

 

[Wez]

Nice ferment!

Floating cauliflower really means that you used too much cooper finings.

I do though like a good healthy ferment

 

[prolix]

so what does mr whippy mean then?

 

[Wez]

Happy yeast I think / hope :grin:

 

[Aleman]

The brown stuff is carried over break protein that has been 'captured' by the fermenting yeast . . . it might be a good idea to skim this . . . the head will quickly reform . . . . if you are not convinced of the benefit . . . take some off with a teaspoon and taste it :whistle:

 

[craigite]

Thanks :thumb:

I do tend to skim it off, just seems right :?
But always the nagging doubt that I'm removing good healthy yeast.

Strange, I read lots about all aspects of brewing except yeast and in particular fermentation.
I will keep looking.

Anyway, thanks again and cheers :drink:

 

Floating cauliflower really means that you used too much cooper finings.

Wasn't aware that cooper's made finnings :whistle:
Do I need to duck for cover again?

I always rack the beer into a second fermenter after the second day of the "mad" head, it gets rid of all the gunge and the head has reformed in less than 1/2 hr.

 

[BarnsleyBrewer]

take some off with a teaspoon and taste it :whistle:

I have :sick:

 

[craigite]

take some off with a teaspoon and taste it :whistle:

I have :sick:

I've the uncontrollable urge to try :evil:
Unless the chief tester offers :mrgreen: