Frozen Beer Woes

[Beats_MC]

I've had a pretty good run as far as mishaps go, but have had two different issues with frozen beer/wort recently.

1. Cold crashed an IPA in keg too cold - currently defrosting, will let it sit, transfer and then carbonate.
Fermentation was already finished so I don't think the beer should be badly affected - thoughts?

2. Accidentally left the temperature probe for my STC-1000 outside the fridge (whoops!), didn't notice for 2 days since the air temperature in the garage has been very close to 18 degrees. Fridge air temperature reading -5 degrees, outside of fermenter reading 10 degrees. I use a spunding valve which is reading 0, so fermentation likely never commenced. When the wort defrosts, should the yeast go back to business as usual - or will I need to re-pitch. wyeast 1056 for reference.

 

[wide eyed and legless]

I've had a pretty good run as far as mishaps go, but have had two different issues with frozen beer/wort recently.

1. Cold crashed an IPA in keg too cold - currently defrosting, will let it sit, transfer and then carbonate.
Fermentation was already finished so I don't think the beer should be badly affected - thoughts?

2. Accidentally left the temperature probe for my STC-1000 outside the fridge (whoops!), didn't notice for 2 days since the air temperature in the garage has been very close to 18 degrees. Fridge air temperature reading -5 degrees, outside of fermenter reading 10 degrees. I use a spunding valve which is reading 0, so fermentation likely never commenced. When the wort defrosts, should the yeast go back to business as usual - or will I need to re-pitch. wyeast 1056 for reference.

I have froze beer before, didn't seem to do any damage. Is 2. another mishap?

 

[Beats_MC]

I have froze beer before, didn't seem to do any damage. Is 2. another mishap?

2 is another mishap. Has been sitting at 18 degrees for 2 days now with the spunding valve showing no pressure building. Might need to re-pitch tomorrow. Do you think I should re-pitch a whole pack of yeast? Or just a portion to kick-start fermentation?

 

[wide eyed and legless]

2 is another mishap. Has been sitting at 18 degrees for 2 days now with the spunding valve showing no pressure building. Might need to re-pitch tomorrow. Do you think I should re-pitch a whole pack of yeast? Or just a portion to kick-start fermentation?

Not sure, you could have a leak on your fermenting vessel, if not throw a pack of Fermentis US05 neutral, and no need to aerate just sprinkle. But try and make sure fermentation hasn't/isn't taking/took place.

 

[Jack of all biers]

2 is another mishap. Has been sitting at 18 degrees for 2 days now with the spunding valve showing no pressure building. Might need to re-pitch tomorrow. Do you think I should re-pitch a whole pack of yeast? Or just a portion to kick-start fermentation?

Re-pitching a whole pack can't hurt, so don't bother messing around with half packs.

Re-frozen beer/wort. This guy froze a Helles that hadn't started yet, but it brewed out after thawing. Lager yeast though YMMV.



Results at 5min 30sec into this video.

 

[Beats_MC]

Thanks for the input. Spunding valve was blocked with krausen, happily fermenting away.