Oxidation

[andynohearu]

Hello all. Using the wilko homebrew kits, and following those instructions, isn't it impossible to avoid oxidation?

 

[Banbeer]

To some degree, but you want lots of oxygen at the start when mixing the malt with water for the yeast addition. After fermentation has started a blanket of C02 is covering the brew and protecting it (this is why it's not good to keep taking the lid off) now is the time you want as little oxygen in the brew so no splashing it about etc whilst bottling/kegging. This is the same no matter what kit you do.

 

[terrym]

'Oxidation' is a perennial dread of many homebrewers along with 'infections', without any real justification. If you keep your equipment clean and sanitised, 'keep the lid on' as far as possible without getting silly about it, and avoid getting air into your beer as far as is practicable particularly during transfers you are unlikley to get any problems. But if you go looking for issues that aren't there, you may find them.

 

[andynohearu]

To some degree, but you want lots of oxygen at the start when mixing the malt with water for the yeast addition. After fermentation has started a blanket of C02 is covering the brew and protecting it (this is why it's not good to keep taking the lid off) now is the time you want as little oxygen in the brew so no splashing it about etc whilst bottling/kegging. This is the same no matter what kit you do.

That is

To some degree, but you want lots of oxygen at the start when mixing the malt with water for the yeast addition. After fermentation has started a blanket of C02 is covering the brew and protecting it (this is why it's not good to keep taking the lid off) now is the time you want as little oxygen in the brew so no splashing it about etc whilst bottling/kegging. This is the same no matter what kit you do.

That is relieving actually. I was worrying about the first stage more than anything else. Good tips thank you.

 

[andynohearu]

'Oxidation' is a perennial dread of many homebrewers along with 'infections', without any real justification. If you keep your equipment clean and sanitised, 'keep the lid on' as far as possible without getting silly about it, and avoid getting air into your beer as far as is practicable particularly during transfers you are unlikley to get any problems. But if you go looking for issues that aren't there, you may find them.

Thank you for this. It is helpful