First-Ever Homebrew Help? (Part 2)

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by HaynesJB, Aug 26, 2012.

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  1. HaynesJB

    HaynesJB Initiate (0) Nov 2, 2011 North Carolina

    As some may recall, I posted a thread recently about a 2-gallon batch of hefeweissen me and my brother were brewing. Tonight was bottling night, and I'm really stoked for this beer to carbonate! It smelled and looked like a hefe should!

    There is one question, however. During bottling, we noticed that there was some kind of substance floating around in some bottles that had an algae-like texture. I realize that hefe's generally have floating sediments because they're unfiltered, but do they normally have said algae-like particles floating inside, or is this an indication that this may be a kitchen sink beer? There were probably one or two of these in each bottle that had them. I didn't pick up any off-odors of any kind though, so I hope I'm just paranoid.

    Thanks again. Cheers!
     
    #1 HaynesJB, Aug 26, 2012
  2. RochesterAaron

    RochesterAaron Initiate (0) May 24, 2007 New York

    Hops possibly?
     
    #2 RochesterAaron, Aug 26, 2012
  3. jokelahoma

    jokelahoma Savant (1,162) May 9, 2004 Missouri

    Unfortunately, "algae-like" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. There are many things it could be, including yeast, hop residue, protein (trub) that got stirred up, the beginning of an infection, etc.

    One thing you'll learn with this hobby is not to panic. If it is an infection, well, it's pretty much too late to do anything about it. You'll know in a couple weeks. If it isn't, then you've wasted a lot of time and energy worrying about nothing. So let it ride, let the bottles carb as they should, check them in a couple weeks, and see how it tastes then. If it turns out to be infected, try again, and double down on your sanitation techniques. If it isn't, enjoy your first homebrew.
     
    #3 jokelahoma, Aug 26, 2012
  4. HaynesJB

    HaynesJB Initiate (0) Nov 2, 2011 North Carolina

    Thanks dude. I suppose we'll find out within the coming weeks. Even if it is infected, I had fun learning something new.
     
    #4 HaynesJB, Aug 26, 2012
  5. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,295) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    In situations like this...the best advice is always: RDWHAHB.

    Seeing how this is your 1st batch of HB...you are well advised to make a beer run instead.
     
    #5 HerbMeowing, Aug 26, 2012
    good_gracious likes this.
  6. jokelahoma

    jokelahoma Savant (1,162) May 9, 2004 Missouri

    That's the beauty of it! Learn from it, try it again. Each batch is better than the one before.
     
    #6 jokelahoma, Aug 26, 2012
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