first brew

[davelee212]

Hi all

Just started on my first brew, it's the Coopers Lager that came with the starter kit I bought.

I started everything off Saturday morning and it appears to be doing it's thing. At some point this afternoon it has popped the lid off and some froth has escaped down the side of the fermenting bin (luckily the bin was sitting on a towel!). I resealed it but noticed it making buzzing noises (air trying to escape I guess) and the centre of the lid has bowed out so it's set to do it again! The lid is now resting on top of the think layer of foam, and I'm unsure whether to seal it again.

My questions are... is it normal for it to do this? My kit didn't come with anything to relieve the pressure, should I be thinking about getting something? Should I remove some of the foam and reseal the lid properly or is it okay to leave it "floating" on top of the foam?

thanks for any advice!

Dave

 

[jamesb]

It's quite normal.

Clip the lid back on, but just leave a tiny crack in it for the excess co2 to escape. You'll just have to keep cleaning up the foam

 

[davelee212]

Hi James!

Thanks for the fast reply! Lid all clipped back on with a little crack left for co2 :)

cheers!

Dave

 

[jamesb]

Most of the time you don't have to leave a little crack, the lids don't normally seal that well.

You could also drill a hole in the lid and use an airlock which has the added bonus of showing bubbles escaping so you've got something more interesting to watch when the missus insists on watching Big Celebrity X-Factor Fat Idol Camp or whatever the hell they're all into these days.

 

[GeordieBrewer]

Hi

I'd recommend the air lock - they are super cheap and give help give a clear indication that the fermentation has started

It also makes a nice relaxing noise in the corner of my lounge.. the missus loves it!!

Thanks and good luck with the first batch

Ian