Why does your beer feel like a fire?
When you make beer at home, a curious phenomenon can happen: that peculiar taste of excessive alcohol can infiltrate your concoction. From a light tingling to an alcohol explosion worthy of a bottle of gasoline, the situation can become complicated. But do not fear, today we will unravel the secrets behind those unwanted flavors.
The mystery of the alcohols ‘Fusel’
In the fermentation process, yeasts are thrown into a feast of sugars and produce ethanol, which is the alcohol we all know and love. But, oh, surprise! When temperatures rise during this feast, yeast can begin to create an alcohol cocktail called ‘fusel’, such as isoamyl alcohol and butanol. These compounds can give it a touch of warmth that neither bonfire cocktails can match.
Heat is the enemy
The true villain behind this warmth is the temperature. When fermentation is heated more than advised, your beer might seem more a high -graduation artisanal drink than a pleasant cold drink. The solution is simple: control the heat! Remember that the interior of the fermenter is usually several degrees hotter than the surface, so be sure to keep the temperature under control.
THE BALANCE BETWEEN MALTS AND SERVITY
In addition to the temperature, another factor to consider is the proportion of malts and the initial gravity. Certain beers, like Barley Wines, have high initial gravities and often have a slight alcoholic heat. If you dare with high gravity recipes, it may be prudent to handle a slightly lower initial gravity. Remember! Malts and hops are the perfect balance, so make sure your mixture is harmonious.
Time has its price
Finally, if you decide that your beer will pass a long stay next to the yeast cake, you could be promoting the creation of those unwanted alcohols. Keep contact with yeast for too many months, and you could end a more typical flavor than a good beer. If you plan to store your creation for a long time, consider transferring it to a secondary fermenter, or use a conical fermenter to release excess yeast.
Refreshing conclusion
There you have it, simple tips to maintain that beer soul away from a campfire flavor. I hope this guide helps you preserve the true spirit of your elaboration. Do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter and tune our podcast to discover more about the wonders of the beer world. Health and to provide with beers that really know what they owe!
