13,591
edits
Changes
→Souring in the Primary Fermenter
Once cooled to the desired temperature (usually around 90°F-120°F or 32.2°C-48.8°C), the wort is racked to the primary fermenting vessel. Note that the wort should contain a low amount of IBU's when using this process since IBU's can inhibit many (but not all) species of [[Lactobacillus]]. Less than 6 IBU's is a good guideline in general. It may or may not be advised to create a Lactobacillus starter (see the [[Lactobacillus]] page) before hand. Once the wort is racked to the primary fermenting vessel, the Lactobacillus culture is added directly to the fermenter. No other yeasts are added at this time. The Lactobacillus bacteria is allowed to incubate by itself in the wort for 2-5 days with the before mentioned target temperature maintained throughout the incubation period (some Lactobacillus species/strains may continue to produce acidity under lower temperatures). The exact time frame of incubation depends on the species/strain of Lactobacillus, the manufacturer's recommendation, and the brewer's desired acidity level. Acidity can safely be measured with a reliable pH Meter throughout this time. If possible, it is advised that the brewer fill the head space of the fermenter with CO2. Some brewers have reported that this helps to reduce sulfur production, but if Brettanomyces is added to the beer later on in the process and allowed to age, this shouldn't be a concern.
After the desired acidity level is reached from the incubating Lactobacillus bacteria, the brewer can crash cool the fermenter down to the temperature that is desired for the primary fermenting yeast. Both [[Saccharomyces]] and [[Brettanomyces]], or a blend can be used as primary fermenting yeast. Brettanomyces is often chosen because of it's higher tolerance of a low pH environment (3.4- pH <ref name="low ph">[http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f127/no-hop-berliner-weisse-415067/index3.html#post5280971 Michael Tonsmeire on HBT]</ref>). If the chosen yeast requires aeration and the brewer has the ability, the sour wort should be aerated before pitching yeast. [[User:DanABA|DanABA]] has had good luck using Safale US-05 dry yeast in non-aerated wort; it is recommended that US-05 is re-hydrated in warm water with a re-hydrating yeast nutrient such as Go-Ferm <ref>[http://www.scottlab.com/product-102.aspx Go-Ferm]</ref>. The wort is then fermented out as normal. The brewer can consider other [[Brewing Methods]] such as pitching Brettanomyces, a mixed culture, or commercial sour beer dregs into secondary.
===Souring in Another Vessel Before Racking to the Primary Fermenter===