## Troubleshooting Common Homebrewing Problems Homebrewing is a rewarding hobby, but it can also be frustrating when things go wrong. If you're having trouble with your homebrew, don't despair! Here are some of the most common problems and how to fix them. ### Fermentation Problems * **My beer is not fermenting.** * Make sure your yeast is alive and active. You can do this by sprinkling it on top of some warm wort and waiting for it to foam. * Check the temperature of your wort. Yeast will not ferment properly if the temperature is too high or too low. * Aerate your wort before pitching the yeast. This will help the yeast to multiply and get started fermenting. * **My beer is fermenting too slowly.** * Raise the temperature of your wort by a few degrees. * Add some yeast nutrient to the wort. * Stir the wort occasionally to help aerate it. * **My beer is fermenting too quickly.** * Lower the temperature of your wort by a few degrees. * Add some cold water to the wort. * Stir the wort occasionally to help cool it down. ### Off-Flavors * **My beer tastes sour.** * This is caused by bacteria, which can enter the beer during fermentation or bottling. To prevent this, make sure to sanitize all of your equipment and bottles before using them. * If your beer has already become sour, you can try to save it by adding some lactic acid bacteria. This will give the beer a sour flavor, but it will also help to kill off the bacteria that are causing the problem. * **My beer tastes bitter.** * This is caused by hops. If you add too many hops to your beer, it will become bitter. To avoid this, use hops sparingly and be careful not to boil them for too long. * **My beer tastes metallic.** * This is caused by iron, which can come from your water or from your equipment. To prevent this, use distilled water and make sure to clean your equipment thoroughly before using it. ### Other Problems * **My beer is cloudy.** * This is caused by yeast and other particles. To clear your beer, you can cold crash it or use a fining agent. * **My beer is flat.** * This is caused by a lack of carbonation. To carbonate your beer, you can add priming sugar to the wort before bottling it. * **My beer is infected.** * This is caused by bacteria or wild yeast. If your beer becomes infected, you should throw it away. If you are having trouble with your homebrew, don't give up! With a little patience and troubleshooting, you can make great beer at home.