Oil sheen

[jimez]

I was racking a batch into my secondary and noticed a lite oil looking sheen on the top of my beer. I make sure I clean and sanitize all the time while I'm brewing and its the first time I've notice it. Is this normal? As it was an imperial IPA.

 

[Yooper]

I was racking a batch into my secondary and noticed a lite oil looking sheen on the top of my beer. I make sure I clean and sanitize all the time while I'm brewing and its the first time I've notice it. Is this normal? As it was an imperial IPA.

It sounds like hops oils floating on the top.

 

[davekippen]

I often notice that on my darker beers. Harder to see on the lighter ones. Never been a problem.

 

[woozy]

I've noticed that too. Wasn't sure what it was but it happened enough times I figured it was probably normal (unlike the white moldy solid film *argh*). Nice to know what they are. Hop oils makes sense.

 

[DrunkleJon]

Hops or other oils from the grains. Never noticed any taste problems from it or hair growing after fermentation. Good question.

 

[Revvy]

The name "Imperial" ipa should be a clue that more than likely used quite a few hops. The more hops you use, the more oils come off them.