Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Keg Carbonation  (Read 1075 times)

Offline flbrewer

  • Brewmaster General
  • *******
  • Posts: 2161
Keg Carbonation
« on: May 03, 2015, 05:16:38 am »
Do you force carbonate or let your beer sit for a couple of weeks. Why? I can't imagine using 25-30 PSI uses 3x more gas than 10 PSI at 2 weeks.

Secondly, what is the optimum temperature for carbonating? I was surprised that colder temps equaled a faster carbonation. Somewhat counter intuitive coming from the bottling world.

Offline mabrungard

  • I spend way too much time on the AHA forum
  • ********
  • Posts: 2902
  • Water matters!
    • Bru'n Water
Re: Keg Carbonation
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2015, 05:55:54 am »
I use both methods. They both work, but to achieve nice, fine carbonation, it takes 2 weeks for the hydration of CO2 occurs. That part can't be rushed, its chemistry.
Martin B
Carmel, IN

BJCP National
Foam Blowers of Indiana (FBI)

Brewing Water Information at:
https://www.brunwater.com/

Like Bru'n Water on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Brun-Water-464551136933908/?ref=bookmarks

Offline tommymorris

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 3869
Re: Keg Carbonation
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2015, 06:44:53 am »
I recommend the slow method because you are allowing your beer to condition and clear while carbonating.

That being said, both methods work and both use approximately the same about of co2. The only difference is gas in the headspace which has to be bled off when using 25-30 PSI method.

Offline HoosierBrew

  • I must live here
  • **********
  • Posts: 13031
  • Indianapolis,IN
Re: Keg Carbonation
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2015, 07:04:48 am »
I like the the slow time/temp method best, but I have used the shake method in the past to get a keg ready quickly. Justin, there is no single optimum temp for carbing, just that in general beer will absorb CO2 more readily at colder temps. You can carb warmer, but you have to set the regulator at a quite a bit higher pressure. Just use a good chart like this one to reference whatever your serving temp is and use that to set your regulator. Easy peasy.


http://www.kegerators.com/carbonation-table.php
Jon H.

Offline GolfBum

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 131
  • Lakewood, CO
Re: Keg Carbonation
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2015, 11:46:19 am »
I go the slow route. I am new to kegging and need to make some adjustments to the pressure once the beer is carbed up. I tend to start them a little too high than back it down a few psi. I like that it clears while it carbs up and when it ready the beer is looking good.