Monday, February 20, 2017

Effects Of Oxygen On Bottling And Kegging

By Cynthia Wood


Most of the commercial brewers dread the presence of oxygen in their systems. They have strict measures to reduce it. It is important for home brewers to take caution. The gas has the ability to greatly affect final products. Even their flavor is completely changed. Individuals performing Bottling and Kegging in their homes should be very careful. Ensure that your product is of the best standards.

Oxygen is good before the fermentation process begins. It is important at this stage. Proper yeast growth depends on presence of this gas. Because of this, most brewers ensure proper aeration of alcoholic drinks. Yeast growth is important. Over oxygenation is not common in this stage. It may happen when pure blast is used. During early stages of fermentation, yeast exhausts all gas. It is used for growth and expansion.

This particular gas will no longer be needed in the next stages. It becomes a contaminant. That is why beer balls and keg containers with pumps have poor quality drinks. This stems from oxygenation. Pumps will add air into beer. Such beer is nor refreshing. People are expected to empty the containers in a few hours. The quality is lost after few hours. Use better equipment.

The bottom line is that this air is bad. Even small quantities can affect the finished beer. It rapidly destroys it. There is also compromise of flavor stability. One cannot know the clarity of this beer. Air normally interacts with tannins and polyphenols in beers. This creates a chill haze. This beer will have a permanent haze which is not desirable.

Carbon dioxide normally rests above the liquid. It is one of the heaviest gases. This gas has prime role of covering the drink protectively. Such drinks have improved quality with time. Most of the home brewed drinks have a poor quality. Gas can be introduced at any stage. Transfer of liquid makes it worse. Excessive splashing also increases air entry. Systems with poor seals and small leaks compromise the final quality.

Find a good way to stop oxygenation. One of the strategies is avoidance of transfers. Transfer when necessary. Most brewers avoid going through secondary fermentations. The commercial fermenters will use conical fermenters. They get rid of yeast. There will be no need of transferring beer to vessels. Barriers. They will maintain quality of beer when it is stored. Glass and stainless fermenters can make good barriers. Plastics are permeable to air.

Always avoid splashing at all costs. It causes a lot of air entry. Make use of quality siphoning tools. A lot of gas penetrates poorly sealed containers. Make sure that carbon dioxide is enough in the containers. In bottling process, splashing should be highly avoided. You can utilize bottle caps which absorb oxygen to a great extent.

These tips help brewers to a great extent. They should be aware that oxygen affects their work. Minimize its entry into containers. People should also avoid bottle bombs. Make use of quality ingredient. Do not be in a hurry. Allow the fermentation process to end as expected. Buy bottles of high quality. Inspect them before bringing them to your home. Beer should also be stores in cool places.




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