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Beer/Carbonation

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Expert: - 3/10/2004


Question
Does beer have carbonation in it?  The same way soda has carbonation and explodes if you shake it up before you open it?  Does beer "explode" for the same reason - because of the carbonation?  -Thank you!

Answer
Yes, beer has carbonation in it.  It can be force carbonated with CO2 the same way soda is carbonated or it can be carbonated by adding sugar to the batch at bottleing.  The beer continues to mature and produces CO2 as a by product.

The reason it explodes is not do to the carbonation per say but because the act of shaking it separates the gas from the liquid thus building pressure in the container.  The "explosion" is do the sudden release of presure.  The liquid is force out the small and sudden opening.  If you let it sit the gas would mix back with the liquid and no "explosion" would occure.  

There is a more scientific explination but that would take longer and require a knowledge of both chemistry and physics.  The end reason is the same.

I hope this helps.  If not just let me know.

Alan

Beer

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Alan Ward

Expertise

I am a home brewer who has been brewing since 2000. For us brewing is a family activity with everyone helping in some small way. We brew mostly all grain batches, but we do some kits. I have built all of our equipment. We bottle and keg. Drop us an line, we will be glad to assist with answer or help you find where the answer is. In October 2008 we opened the Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School at the Texas Renaisance Festival. This is a unique brewpub and teaching facility located on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, Texas. To our knowledge we are the only functioning brewpub located on the grounds of a renaissance festival brewing using both period specific equipment and modern equipment to brew hand crafted ale and then serving it back to the public. Where we offer hands on training and live period appropriate all grain brewing through out the day. Drop by and we will be glad to answer any question you have. You can checkout the brewery at www.brigadoonbrewery.com or follow on twitter@brewschool.

Experience

Home brewing since 2000. Started with a Mr. Beer kit and worked our way up to all grain.

Former chemistry and physics teacher.

Education:
Bachelors Arts Teaching; Master Instructional Technology
Currently the Managing Member and Brewmaster for Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School.

Organizations
Master Brewers Associaiton of America Texas Craft Brewers Guild American Home Brewers Association Brewers Association

Education/Credentials
Bachelors in Sports Medine from Sam Houston State University Masters in Instructional Technology from American Intercontinental University

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