A Closer Look at Open Top Fermentation at Harvey’s Brewery
This age-old brewing process that has been used for centuries to create some of the most beloved beers in the world. At Harvey’s Brewery, they have perfected this method to create some of their most popular ales. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at OTF at Harvey’s Brewery and discuss what makes this brewing process so special.
What is open top fermentation?
It’s traditional beer brewing method in which the brewer leaves the top of the fermenting container open, exposing the wort and beer to the environment. This method of fermentation has many benefits, including harvesting yeast, increasing the formation of esters, and reducing offgassing. The vessel used for open fermentation can vary in size and shape
Before attempting OTF, it is important to clean the area and sanitize all equipment to reduce the risk of contamination. Once primary fermentation is complete, it is also important to rack the beer to a secondary vessel as soon as possible to avoid oxidation and further contamination. For more OTF tips and advice on how to open top ferment beer, brewers can seek guidance from experienced beer makers. As mentioned before, one of the key steps to successful open top fermentation is to clean and sanitize the area and equipment beforehand. It’s also essential to use quality yeast that is suitable for this type of beer brewing style. Additionally, it’s critical to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the process to ensure proper yeast activity and avoid unwanted bacteria or flavors in the beer.
The benefits of open top fermentation
A beer brewing method used by some brewers, even though there are risks for contamination. Despite the risks, open fermentation is still used today due to its roots in tradition, ease of harvesting yeast, and the ability to produce distinct esters and aromas. To get the best results from open top fermentation, it’s important to maintain a high level of cleanliness
At Harveys brewery, open fermentation is employed to produce some of their most unique and beloved beers. Open top fermentation can deliver a beautifully unique flavour to the beers brewed here. If you’re interested in using this method for your beer brewing, be sure to read up on some open top fermentation tips and learn how to open top ferment beer properly. With the right precautions and techniques, open top fermentation can provide you with truly one-of-a-kind craft beers.
The process of open top fermentation
Harvey’s Brewery uses traditional beer brewing methods, but with a few distinct touches that set their beers apart from the rest. The first step in this process is milling the malt, which is done using an electric engine. This breaks up the grains, allowing the starches to be exposed and ready to be used.
Next, open top fermentation is carried out using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. This yeast has been used by Harvey’s for over half a century, and each week’s crop is re-pitched into the following weeks brews. This ensures consistency of flavor in each batch of beer.
For those interested in open top fermentation tips, it’s important to remember that careful temperature control is key. The temperature of the wort should be kept between 18-22°C (64-72°F) to ensure optimal fermentation. The yeast should also be pitched at the correct rate to prevent any off-flavours.
Harvey’s has perfected the art of open top fermentation over time, and have created a range of highly popular and award winning beers as a result. With careful attention to detail and a dedication to quality, they continue to craft some of the best beers around. That being said, if you’re looking to give open top fermentation a go yourself, there are a few key points you’ll need to consider before getting started. First and foremost, make sure you’re familiar with all aspects of beer brewing – mashing, sparging, hop additions, and so on – so you can confidently tackle the task of open top fermenting your own beer. Additionally, do plenty of research about different types of yeast strains available to use and how certain ingredients can affect the flavor of your beer.
Finally, don’t forget to keep detailed notes on your recipe ingredients, temperatures, times, etc., as well as tasting notes throughout the brewing process. Doing so will help you keep track of your progress and allow you to make adjustments along the way if needed. With these helpful open top fermentation tips, you’ll soon be on your way to creating delicious batches of your very own homemade beer!
The results of open top fermentation
The sensory experience of being in the fermentation room at Harveys Brewery was a genuine treat and a moment we will never forget. We had the pleasure of trying an Old Ale and it was impeccable. The beer had a mahogany-red color, with a flavor profile that included burnt sugars, roasted malts, premium Maris Otter barley, light bitterness of aroma hops, and hints of dried fruit and dates. On the nose, there were notes of dried fruit, currants, sultanas, and suggestions of milk chocolate. On the palate, the beer had dried fruit, a hint of chocolate and caramel, as well as a vinous hint in the background. The Harveys yeast character was clearly in the DNA of the flavors experienced with the beer. This beer pairs nicely with Madeira cake, a roast beef sandwich with piccalilli, or adding half a pint to a beef stew.
For those who want to learn more about open top fermentation and beer brewing, here are some tips: Use only the freshest ingredients and choose the right yeast strain for your recipe. Make sure your fermentation vessel is large enough to accommodate a large krausen (foam head) as this is an essential part of open top fermentation. Use open top fermenters whenever possible to prevent contamination and off-flavors. Monitor the fermentation process closely, paying particular attention to temperature control. Finally, take your time when creating your beer and enjoy the results!
We have an extensive range of yeasts available on the Geterbrewed Website: