too much carbonation?

What went wrong? Was this supposed to happen? Should I throw it out? What do I do now?

Moderator: slothrob

Post Reply
Dutchbrew
Light Lager
Light Lager
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:52 am
Location: Chicago, IL

too much carbonation?

Post by Dutchbrew »

I bottled my IPA last night and I'm concerned it may not be completely
finished fermenting but went ahead with it anyways since I made it for
the holidays. It went from 1.064 to 1.020 in 4 days in the primary
then i racked to the the secondary. After a week in the secondary it
went to 1.016 and this is when i decided to bottle, knowing it may be
fermenting down even further. This was all at a temperature of 65
degrees.

I was getting about a bubble per minute in the airlock when i bottled,
also there was a thin layer of foam on the top that had been there
since i added hops for dry hopping so im assuming thats from the hops?
If this ferments down to say 1.013 which was my original prediction am
i in trouble of too much carbonation?? I used 5/8 cup priming sugar
when i bottled.


Need advice thanks!
User avatar
brewmeisterintng
Strong Ale
Strong Ale
Posts: 384
Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2005 8:47 pm
Location: Clarksville, TN

Yes.. But

Post by brewmeisterintng »

Here is what I would do if I found that I had done something silly like that. The fear right now is that your bottles are going to explode however this won't occur within the first 24 hours so you have time to defuse the bombs. Start sampling the bottles at bottling day plus 3. If the carbonation is low, wait 24 hours and try again. Once the carbonation in in range, chill the beer to slow the conditioning. You will most likely have to drink/ consume the batch quicker than normal to reduce the risk. A cooler also helps if the bottles/ caps go, you can contain the explosion.
I have had too many near misses so I carbonate with 1/2 cup these days as well as take gravity readings for consecutive days to ensure the beer is ready for the bottle.
-James-
Dutchbrew
Light Lager
Light Lager
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:52 am
Location: Chicago, IL

too much carbonation?

Post by Dutchbrew »

Ok, I have already started sampling and its still flat so over the next week i'll be sampling and if i get some strong carbonation i'll put them out in the cold... thanks.
Dutchbrew
Light Lager
Light Lager
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:52 am
Location: Chicago, IL

too much carbonation?

Post by Dutchbrew »

happy holidays
Post Reply