Homebrewers - Whats in the fermenter?

Originally Posted by icantbejon

Just brewed up a Nut Brown on Sat. Trying a blow off tube for the first time, so I'm interested to see how that goes. So far, after two days, there is no "blow off" to speak off. Just acting as a typical airlock. I saw some pictures of some really nasty **** coming out of other peoples' tubes before, so this makes me wonder if I've done something wrong. More than likely, I'll say I didn't and I just need to be more patient.

The only time you'll get stuff coming out of the blow off tube is when the krausen gets big enough, of course. This usually means a VERY active fermentation and/or wheat in the grist. As long as you keep fermentation temps under control, I wouldn't expect a blow off from a nut brown ale. I've never had a blow off, even with some pretty high pitching rates.