My first batch - questions/observations

I wouldn't sweat 2 gravity points. But for educational purposes, here are possible reasons for lower than expected gravity with extract batches...
- Measurement Error (eyeballed the hydrometer wrong)
- Too Much Water
- LME was left behind in the jugs
- If partial boil, Wort and Top Off water not thoroughly mixed before measurement
- Failure to correct measurement for temperature
- Hydrometer not calibrated

You definitely pitched too warm. Lesson learned. And yes, that's what a normal krausen looks like. Your beer will probably be drinkable, even if it's not great.

 

You did accelerate the fermentation of your beer, but all is not lost. Because you did that, that's why several recommendations above advise you to let the beer sit on the yeast an extra period of time. The yeast will clean up behind themselves for most of the 'bad' things that are created during the fermentation, but some extra time on the yeast gives them more time to do their job since you likely created more esters than normal.

 

The worst consequence of fermenting way too hot early in fermentation is excess fusels. Short term aging isn't going to do much to fix this potential problem.

If you can taste the booze and it is somewhat harsh like cheap vodka, hot fermentation was the culprit. It can cause instant headaches and neck aches after just a few beers and bad hangovers with excess consumption. Some people aren't significantly bothered by excess fusels.

Fusel production will vary with the strain of yeast. I have no idea how fusel prone Windsor is.

 

Yes.

 

Nope, you're good to cross your fingers and hope that you'll have a pretty good but probably not great beer.

 

Please report back on how it turns out. We like hearing about homebrewing successes

Also, you might consider asking about any processes or recipe directions BEFORE you brew your next batch. As a couple people said above, the directions that come with kits mostly suck. We won't steer you wrong.

 

Congratulations on getting your first brew underway. It sounds like you've got the right mindset to learn how to make great beer in the future, so that's a plus!

Seriously, the pass mark for your first brew is "can I drink a glass of this and still want another tomorrow?" any better than that and you've done well.

 

@fishtizzy , if it doesn't turn out good, just put them in a closet and forget about them for a few months. On one of my first beers I basically did what you did and it didn't turn out good. It was a porter. 6 months later however, and it was pretty good. Best of luck.

 

Unfortunately, the stage for ester/fusel production is set pretty early. I don't mean that to discourage you at all, just to set realistic expectations. But ester/fusel production in complex, with more factors than just temperature. You'll know soon enough if there's a problem.

 

As mentioned above, some of the off flavors will dissipate with time. The Caribou Slobber Brown Ale kit I did when I started had a "plastic taste" according to my wife when first sampled but rounded off over time and was pretty good. It suffered the same lack of temp control that yours did.....Many veteran homebrewers on here will tell you that temperature control is the single most important thing you can do to make better beer.

by the way, Go Bobcats!!

 

Second to good sanitation practices.

If you have room for it, that is definitely the way to go. I use a mini fridge because that's all I have room for in my apt. But I wish I wasn't limited in what I can do.

 

I'd just make sure you can store at least 2 carboys in there at the same time. A 4.5 cubic foot mini fridge will hold one, so a 7.5 might be cutting it close.