Beer Questions
Q. Â Â Â My brew has stopped bubbling.
Answer - The most likely explanation would be a leak either around the airlock grommet or the lid O-ring. With even a slight leak, gas will still bubble through the airlock during the initial large release of CO2 at the start of fermentation. But as it slows, the leak prevents the pressure from building enough to operate the airlock. Check by squeezing a bubble out of your fermenter. The fluid levels in the airlock should then remain uneven. If they come back level even slowly, you have a leak. Replace grommet or O-ring.
Q.    When I pour the beer, there is too much foam.
Answer If you have used the correct amount of priming sugar, ie - 7gm in a large bottle and 3.5gm in a stubby or are using carbonation drops, the most likely reasons are an incomplete ferment or an infection.
Contrary to what might be indicated on the kit label, you should conduct the ferment for a minimum of 7 days, even longer. Use your hydrometer as a guide but never leave a primary ferment go more than 2 weeks or other problems may arise.
An infection will often metabolise substances in your brew that your yeast won't thereby resulting in an extra release of gas. Taste your product at bottling. Even at this stage, your beer should not taste unpleasent. If in doubt, tip it out and start again. Extra care with cleaning and sanitation may be the answer.
Q.    If I use a dry enzyme, when should I add it?.
Answer You put the enzyme in with the yeast. Please note though that the enzyme may extend beer fermentation time. Make sure you take hydrometer readings until you have three similar daily readings to be sure you do not bottle before fermentation has ended.
