Krausen Kollar

[Maxxyjazz]

I'm 5 days into fermenting my first brew. I'm using a coopers IPA kit. It came with a Krausen Kollar. The beer seems to be fermenting away quite nicely, and I tested the gravity (and flavour) today. The instructions say that you can remove the collar after three days to clean it. I didn't do this and left it. I figured it was best just to leave it where it was. I'm hoping this wont cause any problems. I can't really see how it would.
Also I've found very little info or opinion on Krausen Kollars. Has anybody used them before and have any views about them?


M

 

[keith1664]

A what?

 

[fermentall]

Did it have a lead? , never heard of this before MJ tell us more or a pic would be good. :

 

[Maxxyjazz]

It's a plastic sleeve that fits in between the main part of the bin and the lid. It's instead of having an air lock.
I can't upload an image at the mo. If you google it and use images, there are a few examples on there.

 

[ScottM]

Anything I've read on them has been positive. They are fairly expensive to buy on their own so I guess that's why there isn't an abundance of info on them.

Cleaning off the krausen is recommended as it is the area that's most susceptible to infection. From what I read I thought the collar had to be removed at that stage, rather than cleaned and replaced? Maybe I'm getting mixed up though.

I read it's quite funny the way it "farts" when it's fermenting

 

[Maxxyjazz]

I'll probably take it out tomorrow then. I haven't heard it fart. But I might use it as a scapegoat if the mrs is around. Cheers Scott.

 

[PD]

Coopers fermentation vessel complete with Krausen Kollar are the bee's knees in fermenters, I wish you could buy them seperately from the full kits.

If you have a vigorous fermentation you can after it subsides lift the Kollar off and clean all the crud off it ( spray then with a no rinse sanitiser and replace.
It wont do any harm to your beer if you leave it.

 

[Maxxyjazz]

I've bottled this beer now and all seems good. It tastes alright anyway. Another advantage of the kollar is it can be used to hold a load of bottles upside down while draining.

M

 

[joe1002]

Dual purpose, bonus :thumb:

It may taste 'alright' now, but give it a few months and it will taste much better :drink:

 

[peelman]

You take them off the FV after about 3-5 days or when the foam goes down and clean them for the next brew.

The idea is that the brown ring that's left is still quite soft and easy to clean. Saves scrubbing the stuff off after its been on for 2-3 weeks causing scuffs to the plastic of the FV. Thus preventing rough surfaces that may harbour infection and stuff.

Well that's what they (Coopers) say anyway??

Do not put it back on!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1l1oCyCZKo