Bottling...When To Do And Recipes

Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Joined
Jan 7, 2013
Messages
80
Reaction score
3
Location
Indianapolis
So today I gave a little taste test to my first batch that's been in secondary for 1 week. Prior to that it's been in primary for about 8 days. FG upon racking to secondary was 1.011 and today (1 week later) for the check/test it was still 1.011. There seemed to be some bubbling over that 1 week in secondary. I think its good to bottle since FG has been stable over 1 week and it's looking much clearer. (tastes pretty decent). My questions are...

1. How close does real life follow recipes for SG, racking, and time? This beer seems done in 2 weeks vs. the 2-4 weeks I hear on other forums and mentioned in the recipe.:confused:

2. If I were to bottle now, would there be enough yeast to ferment for CO2 or does more settle the longer you wait? Carbonation is a big concern for me as I REALLY appreciate a good prickle with my beer and want to make sure I don't over/under do it.:confused:

3. Do you ALWAYS go by FG readings to bottle/finish/rack? Is it the safest way? Is there any benefit to waiting longer?:confused:

Getting pretty excited to try my first batch! :rockin: Any info/opinion is greatly appreciated.:D
 
It's a young beer, but if you like the flavor go ahead and bottle. It's hard to say how closely real life follows beer, yeast have a mind of their own. You will have plenty of yeast now, and plenty if you waited another month. Carbonation is mostly dependent on priming sugar, temperature, and time. FG readings tell you when you can bottle, but time will mellow the beer and blend the flavors.
 
Many average gravity ales can be done in 2 weeks. But is it real clear or slightly misty? Or still cloudy? If it's clear or slightly misty it's ready to bottle if the FG is stable as well. I like to bottle when it's settled out clear or slightly misty,as it's conditioned enough for the usal botle room temp time of 3-4 weeks. That will finish carbing & conditioning the average gravity ale to where it'll be ready in that time for the 1-2 week fridge time.
 
image-2611682763.jpg

Not the best pic, I'd say slightly misty. I'm opting for another 1-2weeks in secondary from bottling. What could it hurt, right?

I'd say the taste/flavor is muted and a little more body than expected. Not amazing but surprisingly good. Noticed more alcohol than anything else. Hops in the background and a little sweet after taste.

Thanks for the recommendation!
 
If you are ultra worried about clarity, look into wirlfoc tablets (I think that's how it's spelled). It's Irish moss. I don't even do a secondary and my brews are nice and clear usually. There really isn't any hurry to bottle beer unless you are in a big hurry. Does that make sense? If you have the inkling that you may want to wait another week, then do it. One thing I've learned from this site is to be patient. The more worry you throw at your beer, the less its going to come out how you want.
 
Back
Top