Hey guys, I got my amber ale in the fermentor right now. I have a simple question, what exactly is fermenting beer supposed to smell like? I ask because I really really really want this to turn out right but am afraid I did something wrong.

I put a little bit of the no rinse stuff mixed with water in the airlock, the beer sort of smells like soap. Do you think it could be just the smell of the mixture in the air lock or is this what fermenting beer is supposed to smell like?

what is your ferment temp. what kind of yeast? i use sanitizer in my airlocks and never had a problem. different yeasts work in different ways, some have a strong smell and others are mild. keep the fermenter at the proper temp. i like 65deg. for most. if the airlock is working you should be fine, it just takes time.
gary

I am using the Muntons dry yeast that came with the recipe kit. the temperature in the room is right on 70 degrees and the temperature gauge on the side of the fermentor says about 72-74 degrees.

The airlock bubbles about every 3 seconds, I was just a little worried about the smell.