I've got my Rocky Raccoon sitting in primary in my SOFC (a cool 50 degrees!). I think fermentation is going to be complete very soon (I will confirm with hydro readings over the next couple of days). Assuming fermentation is complete, I need some advice on next steps.
(1) The original recipe (from Papazian's "Complete Guide #3") says rack it straight to bottles once fermentation is complete. This seems like corner-cutting. Anyone tried it or recommend it? Will it work?
(2) I've read about diacetyl rest. I understand this to mean bringing the beer to warmer temps (mid-60s) for 2 or 3 days allowing the beer to clear. Anyone have thoughts about the dacetyl rest? Is it necessary or even beneficial?
(3) If I do go for the rest, what do I do next? Rack it into a secondary and chill it for a period of time? How long? How cold? Or do I go straight to bottles from the rest?
Just looking for various thoughts and experiences regarding the lagering process. Seems to be a lot of divergence of opinion out there. Thanks, y'all!
(1) The original recipe (from Papazian's "Complete Guide #3") says rack it straight to bottles once fermentation is complete. This seems like corner-cutting. Anyone tried it or recommend it? Will it work?
(2) I've read about diacetyl rest. I understand this to mean bringing the beer to warmer temps (mid-60s) for 2 or 3 days allowing the beer to clear. Anyone have thoughts about the dacetyl rest? Is it necessary or even beneficial?
(3) If I do go for the rest, what do I do next? Rack it into a secondary and chill it for a period of time? How long? How cold? Or do I go straight to bottles from the rest?
Just looking for various thoughts and experiences regarding the lagering process. Seems to be a lot of divergence of opinion out there. Thanks, y'all!