Idea for experimentation

[coolman26]

I just find it too easy to put a covering over my vessels. Why take a chance or experiment? Its too easy to simply cover up to not to.

I agree, Pete. Each his own, though. As for being outside with a beer, I try to keep it out of the sun or just accept that it’ll get lightstruck pretty quickly.

Mine never have time to skunk.

[fchenette (Frankenbrew)]

@denny

@hopfenundmalz

@denny

@denny

@yso191

Ha ha!  Nothing is ever simple is it?  The bottom line for me is a practical application.  For those who use a transparent fermentation vessel, what is the maximum exposure to average (I know…) indoor light (where most fermenting & bottling occurs) without off-flavors occurring.

It seems this would be fairly easy.  Have brewers detail every bit of time the wort/beer is exposed to light, with some designated for specific periods of time (i.e.: 5 minutes, 10, 20, 30).  All one would have to do is open the cloth covering, open the door or whatever else is blocking the light.

I guess I am arguing for the middle of the road approach - something that would be indicative, but not worthy of publishing in a peer reviewed journal.

Incandescent light, no worries.  Daylight and fluorescent is what you need to worry about.

What about LCD lights? I’m thinking that many brewers, like me, have converted all their incandescent bulbs to LCD.

Good question, Frank!  Unless someone here pops up with an answer, I’ll try to do some research see how they compare.

It depends to the temp to some degree (not a pun, or is it). LEDs do have peak in the blue part of the spectrum.
Here is a comparison.
Ultimate Light Bulb Test - Incandescent vs. Compact Fluorescent vs. LED

Thank ya, sir!

Yes, thanks! It looks like I’ll continue to drape my carboys with tee shirts.

[jonhughey_att.net (HoosierBrew)]

@coolman26

Mine never have time to skunk.

Yeah, there is that.   

[chumley]

To me, a far more interesting experiment would be to take a case of skunked bottled beer, and see how long they have to sit in a dark cold fridge before the skunk flavor goes away.  I recall it is about two months, but the time I did that, it was a long time ago.  And PU doesn’t come in skunky green bottles anymore.

[hopfenundmalz]

@chumley

To me, a far more interesting experiment would be to take a case of skunked bottled beer, and see how long they have to sit in a dark cold fridge before the skunk flavor goes away.  I recall it is about two months, but the time I did that, it was a long time ago.  And PU doesn’t come in skunky green bottles anymore.

It is pretty good out of 500ml cans.

[pmorrissette (Phil_M)]

Something I don’t see mentioned on here is the huge difference in intensity between household lights and sunlight.

I’ve never much worried about house lights, whether they be incandescent, CFL, or LED. My beers ferment in the dark, and I don’t see any issues from household lighting when transferring.

That being said, the place where I transfer beers is in direct sunlight most of the day, so I typically transfer on cloudy days or after sunset. This will change soon.

[Jkrehbielp]

Another issue is that the mercaptans that cause the skunky flavor and aroma are very volatile. If the reaction happens in a fermentation vessel, does the effect carry over to the finished product?

I would expect for there to be little or no effect from the fermenter, but a sealed bottle or a glass of beer being consumed is another story.