Safale 04 yeast question

[bobukbrewer]

Usually the sludge at end of fermentation is a compact pancake, but my last 3 brews it has been a load of discrete blobs that are easily disturbed when I bottle. I have not changed anything about my brewing technique. Any ideas brewers and brewsters ?

 

[Bolsover Brewer]

Usually the sludge at end of fermentation is a compact pancake, but my last 3 brews it has been a load of discrete blobs that are easily disturbed when I bottle. I have not changed anything about my brewing technique. Any ideas brewers and brewsters ?

Are you bottling at a warmer temperature than the previous batches?

 

[bobukbrewer]

Hi BB - I am talking about the sludge in FV before bottling.

 

[AJA]

The question is still valid. Cold crashed beer tends to have a nice tight cake.

 

[bobukbrewer]

AJA - I ferment then bottle. I have not changed anything, but the yeast sediment characteristics have changed.

 

[moto748]

If the question is, is a flyaway sediment a feature of S-04 yeast more than others, I'd say the answer is no.

 

[clib]

Is it a fresh pack each time? Or repitched yeast from previous brews?

 

[Bolsover Brewer]

Hi BB - I am talking about the sludge in FV before bottling.

I don't think there is a yeast which flocculates better than SO-4, the reason I asked about temperature is the colder, the more compact the bed. It isn't a characteristic of SO-4 to be easily lifted off the bottom, usually has to be prised off.

 

[bobukbrewer]

BB - you describe "how it used to be". Clib - it is a fresh pack every time, well within date. I make a yeast starter with bottled water.

 

[ARNWD]

From this forum topic:-
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/overbuilding-yeast-and-yeast-count.96861/#post-1091492

I use all of the slurry from a 22 litre batch for the next batch, and so on, 4 times max, restart with sediment from one of the bottles in batch 1 and use the next 2 resultant slurries. Of course, in around 40 years, I will have to buy another packet of yeast.

@bobukbrewer. Looks like your 40 years is up.

 

[bobukbrewer]

ARNWD - YES - i SWITCHED TO FRESH YEASTS A FEW MONTH AGO - I may now switch to Nottingham to see if it is better - lesson learned - don't be a cheapskate - and my burco heating element has just packed up.....

 

[Northern_Brewer]

Usually the sludge at end of fermentation is a compact pancake, but my last 3 brews it has been a load of discrete blobs that are easily disturbed when I bottle. I have not changed anything about my brewing technique. Any ideas brewers and brewsters ?

Have you changed your water? You need calcium for good flocculation.

 

[bobukbrewer]

I use anglian water tap water, plus AMS, plus AWB, plus calcium chloride, no change there.

 

[Sadfield]

Surely DWB? AWB would make beers that are very funky.

 

[ARNWD]

ARNWD - YES - i SWITCHED TO FRESH YEASTS A FEW MONTH AGO - I may now switch to Nottingham to see if it is better - lesson learned - don't be a cheapskate - and my burco heating element has just packed up.....

Please don't take it personaly, I was being facetious.

Anyone mentioned finings yet? Both copper and post fermentation.

 

[bobukbrewer]

I use irish moss for last 15 mins of boil - always have done...

 

[Loonytoone]

I use S-04 nine times out of ten and have noticed no difference in performance, still a good cohesive sediment.
I also use Irish Moss in the kettle generally for all except stouts.