Forgot to plug in fermentation fridge. A big problem?

[BrewerB]

I had a great brew day yesterday with my Terrapin Rye Pale Ale Clone. Hit my OG spot on and got favorable lagtime from my Wyeast 1272.

I warm-pitched at 75 F, intending to cool the wort down to 68 F and ferment at this temp.

Unfortunately when I got home from work, I realized my fridge was unplugged. The fermentation was at 81 F. Luckily I caught this within 24 hours of pitching.

Any idea what, if any, problems this might cause? Or should I just relax and have another beer?

[BadRock]

I'm not really familiar with this particular strain but you can probably expect increased esters and elevated fusel alcohols. The big question is how long did it actively ferment at this temperature?

[BrewerB]

Good point. And I didn't notice airlock activity until this morning, 12 hours after pitching.

Then another 12 hours passed until I returned home and discovered my mistake.

What makes me even more frustrated is I just listened to the Wyeast and White Labs shows from the archives in the prior week before brewing. Doh!

[BadRock]

Regardless, it's still beer, might have a little different character than you expected but as long as the fusel levels aren't really apparent then you'll be fine. If nothing else, bottle it and throw it in a closet for 6-8 months, once you remember that it's in there it will be great!

[BrewerB]

I like your reply

Just took a refractometer reading and noted SG at 1.025. We started at 1.054 only 27 hours ago.

This is the first time I've taken readings so early in fermentation. Is it normal for gravity to change so much in the first 1-2 days?

OK - time for a beer

[BadRock]

When your fermenting at 81° F, yeah I could see that quick of a change!

BrewerB - Relax, Don't Worry, Have A Homebrew

[BrewerB]

BadRockBeer - I'm a step ahead of ya, already cracked open an Old No. 38 Stout.

Thanks for your help man. Perhaps I'll send you a beer or two if this batch turns out well.

[BadRock]

Sounds great, I always like a good rye beer!
Where are you from?