Ferm Cap

That is exactly what I do when I brew higher gravity (>1.070) beers. FWIW that works for me.

Cheers!

 

One aspect I should have mentioned in my previous post was that I primary ferment in a 7.9 gallon bucket so I have 'extra' headroom as compared to smaller primaries (i.e., carboys, smaller buckets). Hopefully 10 drops of Ferm Cap 'works' in those vessels as well.

Cheers!

 

It is definitely worth a try. Please report back you experience(s) here.

Cheers!

 

Please use a blowoff tube. I only use airlocks standalone now in secondaries. I'm over shooting those into the ceiling and creating a huge mess. Let me know how it works! I have thought about buying this, but was worried about the additive.

 

What was your specific worry(s)?

I can report that there is no impact on beer flavor from using this product.

Cheers!

 

That was it. Just what does it impart to the beer? There always has to be pros and cons right?

 

Below is a product description from Northern Brewer on this product:

“An anti-foam agent that can be used during fermentation to eliminate messy blowoff. As soon as fermentation is over, this insoluble compound settles out and remains behind when the beer is racked. It will not affect the finished beers flavor, appearance or head retention. Can also be added during the boil to reduce the risk of boilovers. Use a few drops per gallon for boil, or two drops per gallon for fermentation. Comes in a one ounce eyedropper bottle. Keep refrigerated until use.”

http://www.northernbrewer.com/fermcap-s-1-oz

There is also a description on the BSG website: https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/fermcap-s-1-liter

Maybe some other BA can address the aspect of cons but from my perspective:

Pros: manages foam during fermentation (I personally I have never added it to the kettle)

Cons: None that I can think of (maybe additional cost since you are buying it?)

Cheers!

 

I've found no real cons.

 

I've gotten where I use fermcap in the boil and fermenter; both successfully and without issue.

 

Awesome! I may just have to start using this stuff. Right now, I have a huge boil pot so boil over's aren't really a relative issue. But cleaning blow-off tubes/buying new tubing all the time is getting annoying.

 

I also buy tubing by the 100' roll and use new pieces every time I need it. I got tired of playing Russian Roulette hoping a batch didn't get infected.

 

I use it in my starters and in the boil kettle. I can use more volume in each of my flasks and in the kettle I use 4 or 5 drops and rarely have any problems. It may carry over to the fermenter as I have not had any problems since I can remember.

 

Using fermcap in the boil also seems to help on the fermentation side for me.

 

I do 2 drops in a 6 gallon boil. You don't need very much.

If I have a volcano ferment(too much wheat, etc), I'll add it 3 drops at a time until the foam breaks and may do that 2-3 times, which is uncommon.

 

I religiously use this stuff on the hot side. I have never used it on the cold side.