4 replies to this topic

[54BelAir]

I am on my third extract batch using DME and steeping specialty grains before the boil. While boiling the wort foams up then breaks down like I would expect. After cooling in an ice bath, I strain as I transfer to the carboy. The only thing that collects in the strainer is a little trash left over from steeping and a little bit hops that make it through the hop bag. Should I be getting any break material, or should I not see much since I am not using DME?

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

I am on my third extract batch using DME and steeping specialty grains before the boil. While boiling the wort foams up then breaks down like I would expect. After cooling in an ice bath, I strain as I transfer to the carboy. The only thing that collects in the strainer is a little trash left over from steeping and a little bit hops that make it through the hop bag. Should I be getting any break material, or should I not see much since I am not using DME?

Is there break material in the bottom of your primary fermenter? If you have a bucket that isn't entirely opaque you should be able to see if there any settling on the bottom of the fermenter within the first few hours after you transfer to it.edit: I'm asking this b/c your strainer might not be catching break material and it might just be passing right through it.

[ncbeerbrewer]

Is there break material in the bottom of your primary fermenter? If you have a bucket that isn't entirely opaque you should be able to see if there any settling on the bottom of the fermenter within the first few hours after you transfer to it.edit: I'm asking this b/c your strainer might not be catching break material and it might just be passing right through it.

+1I often times when am transferring into my primary fermenter not seen any break material or anything other than clear wort. As Zym stated I have watched the wort in the fermenter and what looked like clear clean wort there is break material on the bottom of the fermenter. I would not really worry about it to be honest. There are discussions that say break material in the fermenter actually helps the yeast and fermenting. I also do not filter or strain my wort at any point too. I would not worry if you don't see much break material I have brewed enough batches that I don't think the visual of seeing it is an indicator that the batch will be good or bad either way.

[54BelAir]

Good to know. I do see a good bit settling out soon after transferring to primary. I won't worry then. It seems as though given enough time everything seems to settle out anyway. I thought that I might not be boiling vigorously enough or cooling quickly enough.

[ncbeerbrewer]

Good to know. I do see a good bit settling out soon after transferring to primary. I won't worry then. It seems as though given enough time everything seems to settle out anyway. I thought that I might not be boiling vigorously enough or cooling quickly enough.

I also did this last year ( I know some will cringe by me saying this too) I have also chilled down the wort overnight after transfer to primary and then the following morning transferred to a new fermenter left behind the break material and pitched the yeast. After primary fermentation the yeast cake was clean as can be and ready for reuse. You should be fine as you did though too.