Hi all.

I'm just trying to brew up some essence. I've done this many times before with no problems using the supplied 'sugared' molasses that came with the kit, but having just run out, I got some Blackstrap molasses from the local health shop...

But, there's only a minimal amount of bubbling (pretty much what I'd expect from just molasses)

The water was bubbled and warmed overnight. It sits at a pretty constant 32 degrees.

Added the molasses this morning, then added a level teaspoon of essence about 30-40 minutes later.

It maxed at 34.3 at some point today, but not in the first few hours, cos i was around and checking occasionally...

Do I need to get some different molasses, or maybe just some treacle


Can't think of any other reason, unless I stupidly put the tub of essence somewhere a bit too warm without thinking I guess if the tub of essence hits 35 degrees, the whole tub will die?


What do most people use when the starter molasses run out? Treacle, Cane or blackstrap molasses?




Sub

I've sprinkled another 1/2 teaspoon in a couple of hours ago, but still no joy

Guess I'll just water it in, clean everything and try again unless anyone has any ideas




Sub

I use black strap and have no probs with it .... brewing @ around 25/28 is fine for me

Cheers rip.

I'll try a new batch




Sub

e2a: How much Blackstrap do you put in per litre? I used a generous teaspoon - could this be too much?

Sounds about right mate - I've used both Meridian Blackstrap Molasses and Lyles Black Treacle - both work fine.

It sounds like there is something inhibiting rehydration/activation. I would suggest Lyle's treacle or billingtons molasses similar to what came with the kit or an organic version. Some other molasses are heavily treated with sulphur and or sulphur dioxide.

hi mate, ive used the 'Lyle's' black tracle, i did brew up as usual, i did notice it left a smell lingering in the room for a few days , untill i cleaned the walls.
If your using the pump supplyed by plant magic, have you looked to see if its turned up on a high setting? I only noticed this today and what a differance its making after turned it on full. .. just a thought anyway. good look.

Thanks all.

It worked just fine the second time around. I used more like a level teaspoon this time, although it still took 3 hours before it started bubbling I might even try a bit less next time. I can always add a little if the bubbling begins to slow.

I think I found the underlying problem though - the rubber hose on my pump hadn't been cut straight, and so wasn't quite seated properly on the airstone Always check your equipment first!

Quick snip and all is good again. I didn't realise there were two settings though Whittley. You're on about the Hailea ACO 2201, which is what I got with my essence kit, yeah?

How do you turn it up? I've not seen any buttons or owt. I'll check when the light comes on in a bit

Thanks all for the thoughts




Sub

hi mate good to hear its brewing better. Ive no idea what the pump is called its blue, the power is like a turny not type thing , from low to high.
The onlty time i used the treacle i used a dirty fat teaspoon, maby the reason for the linggering smell. i now use 2 small heaps of the cake-like mollases.
I had the impresson that mroe mollasses would benafit? maby im totaly wrong and making it worse by addin more. Is it true that it helps to add more say, 9 hours in if the bubbling dies down? After 12 hours mines barley bubling at all. Joe.

Nah, definately no switches on this pump, but it's all working now anyway.

I'm not sure if it's possible to over-saturate the water with molasses I'll probably experiment a little over the next few brews.

I'm sure I read one of Webby's posts saying that once the bubbling has died down, the friendly funghi/bacteria are maxed out ie . they've got no more space to multiply, and this is the best time to use it.

But if you don't put enough molasses in in the first place it might look like this is happening anyway... hmmm.




Sub