Beer gushing Out When Bottles Are Opened?

Customer_QuestionCustomer_Question Member Posts: 26
edited October 2011 in Beer Brewing
When I open a bottle of my lager it gushes out everywhere and the beer is very gassy. Where did I go wrong for it to react like this?

Comments

  • markomarko Administrator Posts: 76
    edited October 2011
    Here are a few of the causes:

    Too much priming sugar
    Beer bottled or barrelled too early
    Poor sterilisation of bottles or barrel
    Over filling of bottles

    Over carbonation is usually associated with bottled beer.
    It is a lesser problem with barrelled beer because barrels usually have a
    pressure relief valve.

    The use of too much priming sugar will result in over carbonation. Measure
    and dispense the priming sugar carefully. For bottles use ½ level teaspoon in
    each bottle. For barrels use 80g (3oz).

    It is important not to bottle or barrel the beer too early before the initial
    fermentation has finished. In this situation unfermented sugars are carried
    over into the bottle and when combined with the priming sugar (already in
    the bottle), excess gas is produced. If the gas pressure is high enough glass
    bottles will explode (a dangerous situation which can cause injury). Always
    check the brew with a hydrometer to ensure fermentation is complete prior
    to bottling.

    Poor sterilisation of the bottles or barrel may allow the beer to come into
    contact with wild yeast, which can result in over carbonation and possibly off
    flavours. Ensure the bottles or barrel are thoroughly sterilised. Then
    thoroughly rinse with cold tap water before filling with beer.
    Bottles should be filled to allow ½ inch (15mm) of head space.
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