The Oxford Companion to Beer Definition of accelerated batch fermentation (2024)

The Oxford Companion to Beer definition of

accelerated batch fermentation

Accelerated Batch Fermentation is an attempt to gain economic advantage through the production of more beer with the same equipment in less time. If even a few days can be shaved off of the fermentation period needed to produce beer, there can be considerable increases in a brewery’s overall capacity. There have always been many strategies for accelerating fermentations. However, care must be taken because flavor changes will occur when fermentations are accelerated by any of these methods.

Fermentation rates can be accelerated in several ways. Both the lag phase and the active fermentation phase can be shortened by increasing the yeast pitching rate. The initial fermentation temperature can be increased, as can the temperature of the active fermentation. Breweries can also speed up fermentations by blending actively fermenting beer with fresh, aerated wort (a form of kräusening; see kräusening). A higher fermentation temperature will increase the metabolic rate of yeast and the fermentation speed, but the profile of aroma compounds in the finished beer may change unfavorably. Fermentation times can be shortened by using powdery (non-flocculent) strains of yeast or by mechanically stirring the fermenting wort. The yeast can also be roused toward the end of fermentation by the injection of carbon dioxide or by using a re-circulating device.

Flavor changes may occur because of changes in yeast growth patterns with modifications in fusel alcohols, esters, and vicinal diketones (particularly diacetyl) occurring. Therefore, even though the fermented wort may have reached limit attenuation more quickly, proper maturation is still required. Some industrial brewers have sought to shorten the maturation period as well, using technologies such as the immobilized yeast reactor. See immobilized yeast reactor.

See also fermentation.

Graham G. Stewart

The Oxford Companion to Beer Definition of accelerated batch fermentation (2024)

FAQs

The Oxford Companion to Beer Definition of accelerated batch fermentation? ›

accelerated batch fermentation

What accelerates fermentation? ›

Fermentation rates can be accelerated in several ways. Both the lag phase and the active fermentation phase can be shortened by increasing the yeast pitching rate. The initial fermentation temperature can be increased, as can the temperature of the active fermentation.

What are the 2 types of fermentation used in brewing beer? ›

Brewing yeasts are traditionally classed as "top-cropping" (or "top-fermenting") and "bottom-cropping" (or "bottom-fermenting"); the yeasts classed as top-fermenting are generally used in warm fermentations, where they ferment quickly, and the yeasts classed as bottom-fermenting are used in cooler fermentations where ...

What makes fermentation faster? ›

In general, the rate of fermentation increases with temperature, leading to more efficient conversion of sugars and the production of more by-products.

How do you speed up beer fermentation? ›

Re: Speeding up fermentation

So, say you brew 5 gallons of beer day one, aerate and pitch an adequate yeast pitch for that size beer, then put 5 more gallons on top of that 12-24 hours later you will drastically speed up fermentation time. Just be sure to aerate each batch well.

What should be added to speed up fermentation? ›

If you're feeling like tweaking your recipe, you could even speed up fermentation by adding additional ingredients—diastatic malt (sold in powder or syrup) has a boost of enzymes, plus it contains natural sugars of its own that aid in fermentation and can help with flavor and color (many bread bakers swear by this ...

What causes faster fermentation? ›

Solution: the higher the nutrient level the faster the rate of fermentation. High nutrients lead to maximal biomass production and also to maximal fermentative activity of that biomass. If fermentations are too rapid then the nutrient levels and addition practices should be reexamined.

What are the four stages of beer fermentation? ›

Fermentation is usually divided into four phases: lag phase, active phase, stationary phase, and conditioning phase. Fermentation is the process by which yeast produces all the alcohol, aroma, and flavor compounds found in beer.

How to tell when beer fermentation is complete? ›

If there is a non-perfect seal on the fermenter, this CO2 could be escaping and the airlock will stop bubbling. At the end of the day, there is only one way to know if your beer has finished fermenting – by using a hydrometer or refractometer. These devices allow you to check the sugar levels in the wort/beer.

What is unfermented beer called? ›

Wort is a brewing term that essentially means unfermented beer. It is beer before it is the beer that we drink.

Will adding more yeast speed up fermentation? ›

Therefore, adding more yeast to the wort will not necessarily speed up fermentation. Too much yeast can lead to off-flavours and a shortened shelf life. Instead, brewers should focus on creating a healthy environment for fermentation by controlling the temperature and ensuring that there is enough oxygen present.

Does molasses speed up fermentation? ›

A sound source of B Vitamins and biotin in molasses hastens fermentation processes that help in faster ethanol production.

Can you speed up bulk fermentation? ›

Dough temperature is the regulating factor when it comes to bulk fermentation speed. To speed up bulk fermentation, keep your dough warmer (though I would not exceed 85°F/29°C). Conversely, to slow bulk fermentation, keep your bread dough cooler (I would not cool lower than 39°F/4°C).

How do you accelerate fermentation? ›

Use less salt. Salt will slow fermentation; less salt will speed it up. Add other bacteria (such as brine from another active ferment or whey). Keep the ferment in a warm spot (be careful not to be too warm; temperatures in the high 70s can slow and eventually prevent fermentation).

What is the fastest beer to ferment? ›

If you really want to quaff your beer quickly, you need to forget about true lagers, high gravity beers and sour beers. All of these take extended periods of time to ferment or condition. This leaves low to moderate gravity ales as your best choice. A typical ale fermentation finishes in two to five days.

What happens if beer ferments too fast? ›

If you over-pitch, or dump in too much yeast, your squadron of cells might over-accomplish its mission, thereby fermenting too fast and stripping the beer of much of its desired character. If you're aiming for esters and other complexities that arise during fermentation, you might not get them.

What factors speed up fermentation? ›

Temperature can influence the speed of fermentation. Chilling a batch of fermenting wine will slow it down. Some people to that to try to retain some of the fragrant “smells” that get driven off during the fermentation. So higher temps will speed up fermentation.

How to increase the rate of fermentation? ›

What are the best 5 ways to improve fermentation?
  1. Use an appropriate pitching rate: It's commonly a brewer's belief that yeast can be used with a lower pitching rate than recommended. ...
  2. Understand Oxygen management: ...
  3. Optimise temperature management:

How do you stimulate fermentation? ›

This can be done by simply giving the fermenter a few bumps, gently swirling, or by using a sanitized spoon to give the trub a gentle stir. If you suspect your fermentation is stuck because of low fermentation temps, try bringing the fermenter to a warmer location.

What encourages fermentation? ›

Starting the process of fermentation in almost any food item requires just three things: the bacteria, the source of sugar/carbohydrates, and a hygienic, uncontaminated environment with ideally as little oxygen as possible.

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