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FAQ

244 bytes added, 01:09, 15 May 2019
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A. Yes, make a starter with it. If the starter shows signs of fermentation, then the mixed culture can be used in a full batch of beer. Signs of fermentation include a drop in pH, gravity, or if those measurements are not possible, bubbles/CO<sup>2</sup> production and turbidity (cloudiness). If a full krausen does not form, then pitch an additional fresh package of brewer's yeast (a Belgian or saison strain is a good choice, but any strain will suffice). Mixed culture starters should go for about 7 days. See [[Mixed_Cultures#Starters_and_Other_Manufacturer_Tips|Mixed Culture Starters]] for more details.
==When is the beer ready or when can I bottle/blend==
Q: My beer is at 1.XXX---can I bottle it? Can I blend it?
A: For first time sour beer brewers, no one can tell you when your beer will be ready; only you can determine this. Despite internet rumors, sour or mixed/Brett fermentation beers don't always end up at or below 1.000 final gravity (some can end up quite a few points above that, depending on the microbe selection and the wort composition), and there is no set time frame when the beer will be "ready" due to many variables. The best guide is long-term stability: if your gravity has remained stable between several readings, then your beer may be ready for packaging. However, since the different organisms involved in sour beer production grow at different rates, a beer that was stable over a short period may begin fermenting again. Ideally, you should look for stable gravity readings over a period of two months. When blending (especially with a non-sour beer such as a clean Saison), it is best to rest the blend in a fermenter for two months to make sure the gravity is stable. Don't assume that a low gravity clean beer such as a very dry Saison won't further attenuate once blended with a sour beer with Brett in it. If kegging instead of bottling, packaging before the final gravity is reached is ok since kegs can hold the additional pressure, and the carbonation can be adjusted. See the [[Packaging]] page for details on how to package your beer.
The other factor to consider is how does the beer taste? If it tastes good, and the gravity is stable, then you can package it. If the beer does not seem to have a mature flavor from the ''Brettanomyces'' and has off-flavors that need to age out, then feel free to age it longer. Some off-flavors will change even when bottled or kegged, but others (such as sulfur-based compounds) will need to dissipate out of the beer fermenter slowly over time.
For more information on bottling, see the [[Packaging]] page.

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