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When is my beer ready? When is my beer ready?
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Old 03-31-2008, 06:47 PM   #1
StankAle
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Default When is my beer ready?
I have read about this quite a bit and I decided to post here to get some cut-and-dry advice.
I am not completely clear on how long to let beer age after kegging. . I do know that higher gravity beers need to age longer than low gravity beers; but I have no idea why.
For instance, I was looking at these ale kits and I could not figure out how they came to their "ready" dates. Some say ready in 4 weeks while others say ready in 6 weeks. This is not always dependent on final gravity.
I doubt this will get any replies but I am trying to figure out how long to let my own recipes sit before tapping and drinking.
Thanks all.
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Old 03-31-2008, 06:51 PM   #2
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3 weeks or so after kegging or bottling is most recommended. Longer will make it better, but most people aren't that patient.
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Old 03-31-2008, 07:01 PM   #3
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I agree that it depends on the beer. I probably won't be much help here. But, I have rarely been patient enough to give a beer the aging it truly deserves. That being said, I have had wheats, blondes, and other lighter beers that I drink and like within a few days of kegging and force carbonating. Other darker beers I have tested after a week but felt they were truly much better after about 3 weeks. So, I would advise being patient as possible on most beers, but sampling along the way.
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Old 03-31-2008, 08:40 PM   #4
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it's ready when it tastes good.
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Old 03-31-2008, 09:18 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by html034
it's ready when it tastes good.
couldn't say it any better
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Old 03-31-2008, 10:01 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cheezydemon
3 weeks or so after kegging or bottling is most recommended. Longer will make it better, but most people aren't that patient.
+1 I try to make it 8 weeks from brew day, but it depends on supply & demand.

Being on a diet has helped in the building up supply.
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Old 03-31-2008, 10:16 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by html034
it's ready when it tastes good.
+2
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Old 03-31-2008, 11:25 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cheezydemon
3 weeks or so after kegging or bottling is most recommended. Longer will make it better, but most people aren't that patient.
Is this 3 weeks chilled or 3 weeks @ room temp?
I know that beers mature slower at fridge temps.
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Old 04-01-2008, 12:25 AM   #9
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Well, age it as long as you can at 60-68F and then put it in the fridge a couple of days before consuming.

Suggestion: Just brew another batch to keep your mind off of it.
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Old 04-01-2008, 12:41 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by mrfocus
Well, age it as long as you can at 60-68F and then put it in the fridge a couple of days before consuming.

Suggestion: Just brew another batch to keep your mind off of it.
I hear ya. I actually have TONS of beer in bottles. I am just so excited to pull a beer from the tap!!
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