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Esters & Fusels in brew
Posted: Tuesday Jan 12, 2010 9:48 am
by 010574
I have been checking my brew (Coopers Pale Ale) daily and it seems to be
taking an a very strong fruity smell. I'm thinking this might be due to excess hot weather.
I am at day 11 in fermentation. Is there any anything I can add, either now or during bottling, to bring the fruitiness
back down a bit ?
Any Ideas ?
Re: Esters & Fusels in brew
Posted: Tuesday Jan 12, 2010 10:54 am
by bullfrog
At this point, your only friend will be time. Leave the brew to mature for a while and you should notice a considerable reduction, if not complete dissipation, of your fruity esters. That's what I experienced in the brews that I did before realising that temperature control, even if rudimentary, makes all the difference in the world.
Re: Esters & Fusels in brew
Posted: Tuesday Jan 12, 2010 12:06 pm
by chadjaja
How hot was it the first 5 days? Most of the fusel etc is created at the start of fermentation and the temp going up a bit later on is less of an issue.
Its damn hot though here in Melb. I used to find that that the coopers pale needed at least 2-3 months in bottle till it was a decent drop anyway.
Re: Esters & Fusels in brew
Posted: Tuesday Jan 12, 2010 3:11 pm
by warra48
Yep, definitely sounds like the after effects of fermentation at too high a temperature.
One of the best bits of gear I bought was a TempMate from Ross (CraftBrewer). Works a treat, and temperature controlled fermentation gives the quality of your brews a real kick along.
Re: Esters & Fusels in brew
Posted: Tuesday Jan 12, 2010 4:33 pm
by drsmurto
Once the esters and fusels get in there they aren't going anywhere.
Keep the temp in the 18-20C next time.
Re: Esters & Fusels in brew
Posted: Wednesday Jan 13, 2010 9:21 pm
by Bizier
Once again, the ABSOLUTE BEST investment in homebrew is a temp controlled fridge.
I am ceaselessly amazed by people with keggerators and no temp controlled fermentation to speak of.
Re: Esters & Fusels in brew
Posted: Thursday Jan 14, 2010 5:59 am
by chadjaja
When two fridges/freezers aren't an option I know I'll still choose the kegerator as I can pretty much get ale temps spot on year round in my house and even lager temps in winter if needed in the garage.