Wheat Foam

[Smokee]

I'm trying a new AG, pitched the first bucket last night. This morning when I check before going to work I found it pushed foam up through the airlock & up the latex hose into my "mash exhaust" pvc system then back down into two other airlocks I had going. I'm trying a wheat mash, about 65% wheat, first time using that much. The mash turned out really well, I'm surprised at the amount of foam though. I have another to pitch tonight, I'm going to make some kind of slobber box to keep the foam out of the exhaust.

[still_stirrin]

...I'm surprised at the amount of foam though...I have another to pitch tonight, I'm going to make some kind of slobber box to keep the foam out of the exhaust.

It is not surprising really. Wheat is very high in proteins which will produce a lot of foam. Have you ever poured a wheat beer and had it foam over the top of the glass?

If you would have boiled your wort in the kettle while brewing (before transfer to the fermenter), you could have skimmed much of the proteins off, as it creates a lot of foam as you reach the boil. Having brewed beer for nearly 30 years now, I’ve seen a lot of “hot break” foam and wheat is definitely one of the foamiest.

Learning to use different grains when brewing will prepare you for their uniqueness, especially flavor contributions. This is what brewing experience will bring.
ss

[Smokee]

If you would have boiled your wort in the kettle while brewing (before transfer to the fermenter), you could have skimmed much of the proteins off, as it creates a lot of foam as you reach the boil. Having brewed beer for nearly 30 years now, I’ve seen a lot of “hot break” foam and wheat is definitely one of the foamiest.
ss

It's been a fun ride experimenting with different AG mashes for sure, I appreciate the feedback. I have the last 6 gallon bucket of mash to pitch tonight. This is only the 4th time using the new RoboBrew. I'll clean it up and put this last bucket back in and boil/skim it... give that a try.

[Tummydoc]

Forget the airlock and ferment in an open bucket. This isn't beer brewing where sanitation is critical. A towel over the top will keep flies out if needed. After 2 days you can put on a the lid and lock if you won't be running your mash for months. 2 weeks in an open fermenter isn't really a problem. Usually an infected mash isn't a catastrophe either, just run it when fermented dry.

[Smokee]

Damn, I just realized I put this in the wrong place. Sorry about that!

[Smokee]

If you would have boiled your wort in the kettle while brewing (before transfer to the fermenter), you could have skimmed much of the proteins off, as it creates a lot of foam as you reach the boil. Having brewed beer for nearly 30 years now, I’ve seen a lot of “hot break” foam and wheat is definitely one of the foamiest.

I boiled the latest bucket of mash last night, there wasn't much foam. I skimmed what was there and pitched the yeast, it foamed over night just like the first bucket.

[StillerBoy]

it foamed over night just like the first bucket.

Some of the process stated previously are good at assisting the reduction of foaming during fermentation..

But the best way to reduce foaming overall is to use anti-foam, plus giving the ferment some head space.. on a 6 gal batch you need at least 4 - 5" space when using anti-foam.. this is the one I use, and works very well... the grains will cap but will not foam..
https://brewhaus.com/anti-foam-agent-2oz/

Another thing that will help at stripping time is to have the wash/mash at a Ph of 4 at finishing time.. at 4.5 or higher will generate more foaming in the boiler than at 4, and used along with a heat break of 5 min at the first drop..

Mars

[Smokee]

But the best way to reduce foaming overall is to use anti-foam, plus giving the ferment some head space.. on a 6 gal batch you need at least 4 - 5" space when using anti-foam.. this is the one I use, and works very well... the grains will cap but will not foam..
https://brewhaus.com/anti-foam-agent-2oz/

Another thing that will help at stripping time is to have the wash/mash at a Ph of 4 at finishing time.. at 4.5 or higher will generate more foaming in the boiler than at 4, and used along with a heat break of 5 min at the first drop..

Mars

I picked up some anti-foam, will give it a try. Both buckets had way more head space than what I usually have, the mash just foamed a lot. After getting past the first day or so I was able to clean out the CO2 exhaust hoses and air-locks. They stayed clean the rest of the ferment.

[StillerBoy]

I picked up some anti-foam, will give it a try.

Give us an update on the results..

Mars

[Smokee]

Give us an update on the results..

Mars

Definitely will! I did the first strip last evening but it was my usual AG mash. The wheat strip will have to wait til Sunday, when we get back from the mountains.

[Smokee]

Give us an update on the results..

Mars

Two nights ago I started another round of mash, this time for the whiskey I usually make. I decided to make this with a good bit more wheat than what I usually do. I tried 5 Star anti foam, this morning there was no foam/mess. I added 4 drops and there's no foam creeping up the exhaust hoses out of the airlock.

I really appreciate the suggestion!