Top fermentation

1.

An alcoholic fermentation during which the yeast cells are carried to the top of the fermenting liquid. It proceeds with some violence and requires a temperature of 14-30° C. (58-86° F.). It is used in the production of ale, porter, etc., and of wines high in alcohol, and in distilling.

Noun

1.

top fermentation - a violent kind of alcoholic fermentation at a temperature high enough to carry the yeast cells to the top of the fermenting liquid; used in the production of ale; "top fermentation uses a yeast that ferments at higher temperatures than that used for bottom fermentation"

ferment, fermentation, fermenting, zymolysis, zymosis