Newbie First Brew

[TrickNick]

Hello All! I've been browsing the forums for a couple of weeks now and I want to say I'm really impressed by the amount of raw knowledge available and that this seems like a really great community!

That said, I have a couple of quick questions about my first batch. I'm sure its either info I've missed or forgot that I read it so bear with me.

I brewed up my first batch of beer Monday night and pitched a packet of Nottingham Dry Yeast at about 10pm that night. I'm fermenting the 5 gallon batch in a 6.5 gallon plastic "Ale Pail." I have still seen no airlock activity so I got really curious (I know, I need to relax) and popped the top open today to take a peek - after washing up good first of course. There was a healthy looking layer of foam about 3 - 4 inches thick, so I assume things must be going well.

Now for the questions:
1) Is it okay that I popped the top? I mean, will this affect the beer at all?
2) Is it okay that I'm not seeing any airlock activity yet? I mean, could it just be that I got too anxious and didn't wait long enough?

Thanks in advance for you help!

[toneyc]

Yes, it is ok to pop the top. You don't want to be doing that everyday, but once or twice isn't going to hurt unless you've got a lot of stuff blowing around and falling into your fermenter.

If you have 3-4 inches of foam after several hours, you've got fermentation and things are going great. If you don't have any airlock activity, it means you've forgotten to put a sanitized solution in the airlock or your lid doesn't seal well.

All is well, RDWHAHB.

:D
Toney.

[wortchillergoal]

I used to work in a business that sold homebrew supplies as a sideline to their mainline, restaurant equipment. We would get people come in telling us they neveer took their eyes off the airlock and that the beer has not fermented. The ferment can happen fast, It would always turn out the indeed fermentation had taken place.

There are a couple reasons that you may not have had airlock activity. As toneyc said, if you got that kind of foam, you are in good shape.

[Mad Scientist]

Welcome Tricknick.

Put a couple of books on the lid, to help it seal.

[TrickNick]

Thanks for the replies!

The airlock still isn't bubbling and its been almost 72 hours, so I'm assuming I have a problem with my seal. I'm going to put a few books on it this afternoon and hope that helps.

[sittingcow]

i know that bubbling is a nice comfort, but you should never expect your airlock to tell you what your beer is doing.

(you got a hydrometer??)

[TrickNick]

I've got a hydrometer, but I haven't taken a reading yet. I didn't want to open the top up too often. Should I go ahead and take one?

I just thought that without your airlock bubbling and foam foaming it would point to a leak. If its not airtight, isn't it true that once fermentation slows down oxidization could occur? Am I already worrying too much?

[corkybstewart]

Welcome, and yes you are worrying way too much. There's not much chance of your beer oxidizing or getting infected thru a faulty seal on the lid, especially not while there's any fermentation
at all going on. And even after fermentation is done, the beer will be releasing CO2 from suspension for a long time creating positive pressure and keeping nasties out.
I would wait until Sunday, take a reading and then get ready to bottle it if the hydrometer indicates it is finished. Even better would be to wait another week and then do it. Patience is tough with the first brew but it will pay off.

[larin1477]

The Vets have answered your questions so I'll just say Welcome!...

[deucedaily]

Originally posted by larin1477
The Vets have answered your questions so I'll just say Welcome!...

Seconded from both another sox fan and a NoVA resident. Make sure you check out myLHBS, Derek there is full of knowledge and just expanded his store. Right next to the Sears on 7. I remember my first brew like it was yesterday (really only a few months ago). Patience is hard, then you get used to it, then you get a kegerator, and patience is hard again.

So welcome. You were also right that this site has a ton of good people. Lots of info and quick responses.

[BrewDog]

Derek used to post here pretty often. Haven't seen him in a while. Nice guy and very, very knowledgeable.

[TrickNick]

I actually bought my equipment and my first ingredient kit from him. I'm making his DoubleNut Brown Ale. Definitely a knowledgeable guy and very helpful. I even called him up with a couple of questions and he was more than willing to dole out advice to me over the phone. I'm sure he'll be seeing more of my business in the future.

[Mad Scientist]

Free & willing phone help is a sign of a good LHBS.

Please post the Double nut brown ale recipe in the recipe secton...I am curious about it.

[corkybstewart]

Hey Boerne, I posted that Irish red recipe in Recipes. Congrats on the upcoming Boerne Brew II.

[Mad Scientist]

Thanks....he is due Sept to Oct.....hmmm......suggestions for a celebratory ale?

[corkybstewart]

Milk stout comes to mind.