Is this normal?

[Damented]

Hi guys.

Just wanted to ask if this was normal fermentation for an Imperial Stout. It is pushing the krausen right up the tube and into the water. here is a few short videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQEYyJaIz4A
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cTJu8fK8eI

let me know what you think.

THanks
-Dam

[adamK]

Yep. That is the reason to use a blowoff instead of an airlock. I enjoy the sounds when the krausen finally makes it into the blowoff bucket (or bottle).

[Damented]

Awesome thanks!!

[TheDarkSide]

Was this with a yeast starter, repitched yeast, or just several vials? You should see the sucker take off when you use repitched yeast...WooHoo!!

[brewinhard]

Totally normal especially for a high gravity beer. You should purchase some Fermcap-S foam inhibitor. A few drops of it into your fermenter and your over flowing krausen days are over. No blowoff tube needed. just add a few drops as you see the krausen approaching the neck of the carboy to keep it under control. Have no worries as this does not affect your head retention or future use of reharvested yeast.

[kswbeer]

+1 for the Fermcap. It's a miracle worker. Good suggestion.

[MarriedToTheHops]

Totally normal especially for a high gravity beer. You should purchase some Fermcap-S foam inhibitor. A few drops of it into your fermenter and your over flowing krausen days are over. No blowoff tube needed. just add a few drops as you see the krausen approaching the neck of the carboy to keep it under control. Have no worries as this does not affect your head retention or future use of reharvested yeast.

I disagree I do not notice a difference
!

[kswbeer]

Do you notice a difference (does it eliminate boil-over) when you use it in the boil kettle? Our group had to watch for boil-over every brewday, until we started using it.

In your fermenter, maybe use a little more, or spread it around the sides?