should I rack to a smaller vessel

huntfisher · Post by **huntfisher** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:25 pm

I have a bout 4.5 gallon batch of oatmeal vanilla stout in a 6 gallon secondary. At the time I did not have a 5 gallon carboy. Is oxygen a big threat with this much head space. I am receiving a 5 gallon carboy, so should I transfer it. It has been in secondary for two days.

maltbarley · Post by **maltbarley** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:30 pm

I wouldn't mess with it. You will likely oxygenate it more by transferring it than what you will get by letting it sit still.

backyard brewer · Post by **backyard brewer** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:02 pm

Nah, Like MaltBarley says, you'll probably introduce more o2 than you'll save from it.

huntfisher · Post by **huntfisher** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:14 pm

Do oxygen caps help out if the beer does get oxidation. Some sources state that oxidation is okay for oatmeal stouts or beers with gravities high than 70 since it can give fruity flavors, is this true?