another pellicle question

[Fritz Eye]

OK, funk beer # 2 is in the works, 4 weeks old. A 1.040 Oud Bruin pitched straihgt from Wyeast 3763 Roselare, no starter, just a little O2 at pitching.
After 4 weeks I have what looks like a thin crusty coating across the top with some big bubbles forming. Initially I was going to rack to a secondary after 5-6 weeks, but now that I see the pelleicle formaing I am not sure.
Again, any suggestions are welcome.
Cheers.
Fritz

[BrewerJ]

The pellicle is starting to form but you have time to rack. I personally would rack to a smaller vessel so that there isnt a ton of headspace in the carboy. So that the top of the liquid makes a 4-6inch circle. This way you don't have as much oxygen exposure and you can age for a long time.

[brewinhard]

Agreed with J. Don't worry about disturbing your pellicle a bit as it will reform in secondary. Just be sure to let it age with moving the carboy as little as possible so you don't disturb the second pellicle that reforms. Also be sure to keep an eye on your airlock so it doesnt get dry. This could lead to increased acetobacter formation and possible acetic acid notes (vinegar-like) in your beer which you don't want.

[Fritz Eye]

Awesome information, also here is a response from Wyeast to boot:

I personally am a proponent of leaving these beers in the primary for at least 3 months. I have had great success with these beers even leaving them in the primary for one year.

I would let it go for a little while longer before racking.

Let me know if you have questions.


Jess Caudill
Brewer/Microbiologist
Wyeast Laboratories, Inc.

[BrewerJ]

That works too, I know some people leave the beer on the primary the complete cycle. I think brewinghard has mentioned that he has done that with good results but I will let him comment.

[brewinhard]

That works too, I know some people leave the beer on the primary the complete cycle. I think brewinghard has mentioned that he has done that with good results but I will let him comment.

Yes. I have left both Flanders' Reds and straight lambics in primary for up to 18 mos with no noticeable autolysis or off - flavors. In fact I think those beers have turned out more sour/acidic than others that have been racked. My understanding is that as the saccharomyces die and their cells rupture, the brettanomyces and lactobacillus present will feed on the ruptured nutrients which helps sustain their needs over the course of the long fermentation process.