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modster · 12-27-2008, 12:02 AM

bottled my first batch and im getting ready to make another. was wondering how i would be able to tell when the fermentation is finished. in the mr beer kit it says by taste but will this work for my next brew?

**nvr2low** · 12-27-2008, 12:07 AM

im waiting for mine, 2 weeks is when im going to bottle mine. it seams as though that should be enough time for it to finish.

**Shooter** · 12-27-2008, 12:07 AM

I'm bottling my first Mr. Beer brew, or any brew for that matter, tomorrow and I just left it in the fermenter for two weeks. At that point I figure it should be done fermenting. With mine I was able to observe an obvious fermentation through the keg and could see it falling out a few days later. Now, when I shine a light into the side it looks nice and clear. Well, other than all that stuff collected at the bottom, but that's to be expected.

ifishsum · 12-27-2008, 01:39 AM

A hydrometer is the only sure way to tell, but as long as it's been 2 weeks or better and clearing it should be finished. The instructions say you can bottle after a week (for most recipes) but 2 weeks is much better - 3 for stouts and higher gravity recipes.

TwoHeadsBrewing · 12-27-2008, 02:01 AM

Two weeks is usually sufficient time for fermentation to complete, but you will NEVER know for sure without a hydrometer. When the reading on your hydrometer is the same for a span of 3 days, fermentation is complete. If you bottle before this point you can have bottle bombs

! Plus, if you don't let the beer finish fermenting it just won't taste as good. I always plan for a 3 week fermentation for "normal" gravity beers, and for the "big" beers 4-6 weeks.

It's tough to wait, but it's amazing what just one extra week in the fermenter will do for the quality of your beer! Patience is a virtue, and in brewing it also seems to be the path to great beer.

modster · 12-27-2008, 10:06 PM

ok cool thanks for the help onto brew number 2