Expert: John Snyder - 12/5/2008

Question
Hi
I'm a first timer and with out knowing better (lack of reading the instructions completely) opened the Mr beer keg a couple of times to see if the yeast was working. Started Sunday and today the bubbles have stopped. Have I ruined this batch? And if it does spoil how would I know if it is?
If the keg has holes in it already why can't you open the keg?
Thanks
Rod  

Answer
No you haven't ruined the batch,but did increase the chance for oxidation to take place(air getting into the beer).That particular taste would take some time,and would make the beer taste "winey"

The real active fermentation could have been finished in that time.Dried foam,brownish residue should be seen above the liquid level.Slight release of CO2 gas,from fermentation should still be visible;small bubbles every two to three seconds.

You can open the keg,but it is best not to.The fermenting wort is in a CO2 atmosphere,which does not allow air pickup,and some protection against possible bacterial infection

              John