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Author Topic: "Chunky" fermentation?  (Read 6101 times)

Offline dglucasii

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"Chunky" fermentation?
« on: June 23, 2013, 08:25:10 pm »
I put my APA in Primary yesterday...seeing some unusual activity...got what looks like chunks of yeast floating up and down...never seen that before.  I brewed this beer the same way a month ago and didn't get this action.
Any ideas? Not sure if its something to get torqued about.
Thanks

Offline erockrph

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2013, 08:36:36 pm »
It's actually pretty common... and rather mesmerizing. Nothing to sweat about.

What yeast strain are you using? This can happen with any strain, but the more flocculant ones seem to be chunkier in my experience.
Eric B.

Finally got around to starting a homebrewing blog: The Hop Whisperer

Offline greatplainsbrewer

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2013, 08:37:23 pm »
You're fine. Just a vigorous fermentation.  Can be mesmerizing

Offline greatplainsbrewer

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2013, 08:38:10 pm »
Two of us describe fermentation as mesmerizing. . .

Offline jamminbrew

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2013, 09:43:14 pm »
I remember the first time I saw that happening. My wife thought I was nuts for sitting and staring at the carboy for several hours. Mesmerizing is the right word.
I find that Belgian yeasts do this for me.
In caelo cerivisiae nil, hic igitur bibimus.

Offline Pi

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2013, 07:10:05 am »
"Cloverknuckles" is the term I was told. Totally mesmerizing and maybe even a little captivating! After countless batches spanning over 20 years I never get tired of watching the storm. I think it would make a great screensaver. I have been contemplating getting a SS (or should I say $$) conical fermenter, but would miss being able to watch the Saccharomyces Blizzardius. 
Primary:On Reflection APA
Lagering: Vienna
Drinking: Whenever I'm not working or driving

Offline dglucasii

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2013, 07:50:53 pm »
White Labs CA ale yeast for my 1st custom grain bill APA.
She's still at full-throttle with a nice two inch head.
Yeah, it's like watching a campfire...hard to turn away from it.  I gave serious consideration about calling-in to work today.

Offline BP79

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #7 on: June 26, 2013, 10:40:23 am »

I find that Belgian yeasts do this for me.

Ditto.  I pitched White Labs WLP 570 Belgian Golden Ale over the weekend and experienced some major chunkage floating around like a tornado. 

Offline HoosierBrew

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #8 on: June 26, 2013, 10:52:23 am »
WY1968 has always thrown a helluva good chunk storm for me (being so flocculant), before it drops like a stone.
« Last Edit: June 26, 2013, 11:00:36 am by HoosierBrew »
Jon H.

Offline erockrph

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #9 on: June 26, 2013, 04:49:55 pm »
WY1968 has always thrown a helluva good chunk storm for me (being so flocculant), before it drops like a stone.

Yep, ESB yeast is extra chunky :)
Eric B.

Finally got around to starting a homebrewing blog: The Hop Whisperer

Offline Three

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Re: "Chunky" fermentation?
« Reply #10 on: July 07, 2013, 09:25:12 pm »
+1 on both of these....

WY1968 has always thrown a helluva good chunk storm for me (being so flocculant), before it drops like a stone.

Yep, ESB yeast is extra chunky :)

This yeast rocks!  I use it a lot.  English Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, ESB, Premium Bitters, etc.  It is fast and clean.  Drops like a rock.  And always looks awesome in the starter flask and the carboy!

I would love to hear what you think of your APA when its done.....
Anyone who sings a tune so sweet is passin by........