How would zero gravity effect the beer making process in space?

Question

Is it even possible to drink beer in space?, the reason i ask is i have gout and as such am prone to kidney stones.

Answer 1

That's an interesting question and I'd love to volunteer to try it out. To be honest, the fermentation process is a biochemical reaction and probably would not be affected by zero gravity at all. However, the lack of gravity might cause problems in the CO2 evacuation. In most fermenters, the gas valves that allow CO2 out of the tank are near the top where gravity holds the wort near the bottom. In zero gravity, the solution would float about inside the tank and may try to get out through the valve. So you would have to come up with a way to relieve the overpressure of CO2 caused by the fermentation process.
That is the only difference I can think of. As for drinking beer, there should be no problem with that at all. You might have to put it into a tube or something, but it would be the same with any other pressurized beverage (coke, sprite, etc.) They are all pressurized with CO2.

Answer 2

It would be confusing if you said "I'm going to UP a few beers" and the bartender said " Hurry and drink DOWN, we're closing" Too much beer in space and you might throw OUT. Yuck