Big layer of dough-like yeast on top?

Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:22 pm

I brewed last weekend (Sunday) and the today (Thursday) the primary fermentation is slowing down, but there is a HUGE (2 inches) layer of yeast? on the top part of the carboy that appears "dough-like" almost like a yeast starter you might have for a sourdough bread or something. It appears to have lots of huge bubbles in them and I'm not sure what this is? I've never experienced this before and I'm a little concerned that these may be air bubbles that will harm my beer when it's done fermenting. Normally, when the blow-off settles down, I'm able to see the top of the beer in the carboy, but this is bizarre. Any ideas?
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PIrMoON5XIbrs9JdnETwmQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJzEve-lnoznag&feat=directlink
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BrewBlender
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Re: Big layer of dough-like yeast on top?

Thu Aug 13, 2009 7:40 pm

Different yeasts look different in the carboy. I once had a Belgian with a sticky krausen that never fell. Relax, man. Those bubbles are CO2 and your beer is fine.


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Re: Big layer of dough-like yeast on top?

Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:34 pm

Mylo wrote:Different yeasts look different in the carboy. I once had a Belgian with a sticky krausen that never fell. Relax, man. Those bubbles are CO2 and your beer is fine.


Mylo

I've always noticed that i tend to get more of those types of krausens when i brew with oats
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Re: Big layer of dough-like yeast on top?

Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:28 am

During fermentation, when air lock is bubbling, there is NO O2 in the headspace. There is positive pressure from the CO2 that has pushed out all the oxygen. That is noting but the good stuff on top of your beer.
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Re: Big layer of dough-like yeast on top?

Fri Aug 14, 2009 6:40 am

JasonHorlacher wrote: That is noting but the good stuff on top of your beer.

+1
I get this all of the time. You're fine, BrewBlender.
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Re: Big layer of dough-like yeast on top?

Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:57 am

Thank all!
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