The stuff floating in SweetWater 420 is actually just a little bit of leftover yeast that has clumped together after the conditioning process. This is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. As a sommelier and brewer, I can assure you that it won't affect the taste or quality of your beer in any way.
During the brewing process, yeast is added to ferment the sugars in the beer and produce alcohol and carbonation. After fermentation is complete, the beer undergoes a conditioning phase where it is allowed to mature and develop its flavors. During this time, some yeast may settle at the bottom of the bottle, but in some cases, small clumps of yeast can remain suspended in the liquid.
The presence of yeast in the bottle is actually quite common in many bottle-conditioned beers, especially those that are unfiltered or have live yeast cultures. It can give the beer a slightly hazy appearance, but it is not a sign of spoilage or contamination.
In fact, some beer enthusiasts appreciate the presence of yeast as it can contribute to the overall flavor and complexity of the beer. It can add subtle notes of bread, dough, or even a slight tanginess. However, if you prefer a clear beer, you can simply pour it gently into a glass, leaving the sediment behind in the bottle.
If you're curious about the science behind the clumping of yeast, it's actually a natural process called flocculation. Yeast cells have the ability to clump together, forming larger particles that can be more easily separated from the liquid. This is why you may see these clumps floating in your SweetWater 420.
To summarize, the stuff floating in SweetWater 420 is just leftover yeast that has clumped together after conditioning. It is completely normal and won't affect the taste or quality of your beer. If you prefer a clear beer, you can pour it gently into a glass, leaving the sediment behind in the bottle. Cheers to enjoying your SweetWater 420!