Hello fellow Homebrewers!
I've got an interesting question regarding bottle cap differences and a 5 gallon batch of Double IPA in limbo already bottled. Here's the deal, somehow without me realizing, I ordered Oxygen Barrier caps for this batch of ale I brewed versus the normal Oxygen Absorbing caps. After waiting about three weeks for bottle conditioning, I tested a couple and barely any CO2 developed. Although a very good Ale, the carbonation was just not there. I waited a few more weeks and tested again, still no improvement. I know I double checked the amount of corn sugar used, gently stirred the fermented wort and bottled properly.
Because I used Oxygen barrier caps, would this prevent carbonation from occurring in the bottles? Can I save what I left in my bottles by switching caps to oxygen absorbing caps and see if it will still carbonate, or will I risk contamination? Or lastly,is it too late and should I....gulp....send the batch to a recycle bin?
Another interesting question, in what instances would one use Oxygen barrier caps if it prevents carbonation by not allowing oxygen to help assist with the conversion?
Regards,
Keith