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mfalenski

mfalenski

Worker Bee
Registered Member
Mar 27, 2008
123
2
18
55
Greensburg, PA
www.laurelhighlandsmeadery.com
I had a massive Mead Eruption Accident this AM... I was pushing the head-space of the tank I'm fermenting in. Lets say even just slightly hitting 60G with a drill mounted aerator makes lots and lots of foam. Gallons worth! :)

I was reading about anti-foam drops and wondering if anyone here has tried them. I saw a brewing reference to using FermCap S but don't know if the same fermenting principals would come into play here though. I've read a few mead texts that state to use anti-foam so you can fill the carboy but have never tried them. I am sanitizing a second tank now to move 1/2 my must to, so I probably won't make that mistake again (ever!)

My first commercial batch, too! Oh well, its all part of learning curve.
 
I don't use antifoam drops as much as I used to. These days I ferment batches in a primary that is usually about 2X the volume of the batch - no MEAs (yet) with that approach. However, that would be awfully inefficient for a commercial operation and I'm sure I would be trying to maximize the throughput of my fermenter. Antifoam drop can help with that, though they do not stop all foaming and may not completely eliminate the risk. I've fermented at 90% full with antifoam in my home-sized batches (not mels) without eruption, so they can be very useful.
 
I do the same thing, Medsen...I've had it rise up dangerously close to the rim of the bucket, but it hasn't gone over yet. That's my preferred method of MEA management.

Of course, it could still happen. :)
 
We use Fermcap S at B. Nektar. Medsen's right, it helps, but doesn't stop all the foaming. Certain honeys will also have more of a tendency to foam up. Honey such as Star Thistle and Tupelo are a real pain in the butt.
 
Brad Dahlhofer said:
We use Fermcap S at B. Nektar. Medsen's right, it helps, but doesn't stop all the foaming. Certain honeys will also have more of a tendency to foam up. Honey such as Star Thistle and Tupelo are a real pain in the butt.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply. I read that it can increase the retained IBUs in beer, is there anything it does to mead that is similar you may have noticed? What amount do you use? I see the instructions say 2 drops per gallon.
 
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Medsen Fey said:
I don't use antifoam drops as much as I used to. These days I ferment batches in a primary that is usually about 2X the volume of the batch - no MEAs (yet) with that approach. However, that would be awfully inefficient for a commercial operation and I'm sure I would be trying to maximize the throughput of my fermenter. Antifoam drop can help with that, though they do not stop all foaming and may not completely eliminate the risk. I've fermented at 90% full with antifoam in my home-sized batches (not mels) without eruption, so they can be very useful.
Click to expand...


I'm doing a larger tank now, but I was in a pinch here. Dumb story of having the tanks, but they were in the truck that was stuck at the garage!

I was at about 90% of capacity, just thought I'd mix it "a little." It had other plans.
 
hmmm...

Mixing for aeration is important, just remember you don't NEED to use a drill to mix a large volume. You can 'pump-over' which is what a lot of wineries do when fermenting in open tanks to keep the temp lower. there are even a few video's on youtube of the process, and it does help aerate, and it works, without the excess of foam. It is more controlled, and does aerate the must in the process.

If you must mix a-la-drill style, short bursts is your friend...VERY short bursts! Also, 90% full is way to much to mix anything without the shortest of bursts....you could also place the mead under vaccuum before hitting it with the drill (if you have that equipment).

Pump-over is probably the only option for 90% full size container in my humble opinion.
Ian
 
Hi Mfalenski,

We use an anti-foam agent at work that is awesome..but I can't remember the brand name right now and I use it every day in the brewhouse..lol. I will check tomorrow and let you know. Ian is right about using the pump to recirculate the mead we often do that at the brewery for high gravity beers to help aerate and keep the yeast in suspension.

Cheers,
Jon Talkington
 
mfalenski said:
Thanks for the reply. I read that it can increase the retained IBUs in beer, is there anything it does to mead that is similar you may have noticed? What amount do you use? I see the instructions say 2 drops per gallon.
Click to expand...

I haven't noticed any difference other than the foaming. We use about 15ml per 45 gallons. In our new tanks we're going to be pumping over like IanB suggests. It's much easier on the back. :)
 
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