Beer conditioning
- Thread starter jamursch
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The short answer is yes. 3 weeks of fermentation before bottling is highly recommended. Whether you leave it in primary for 3 weeks, or rack it to a secondary carboy, is a matter of personal preference.
I like to let it sit in primary just till it settles out clear or very slightly misty. Then on to the bottling bucket. I think more hop flavor is saved by getting it bottled as soon as it's at FG,cleared,& tastes good for still being green. That's a good experience to learn.
icanbenchurcat
Well-Known Member
The true test is with a hydrometer. If the gravity is steady for 3 days, bottle it. Otherwise, you risk bottle bombs.
JohnTheBrewist
Well-Known Member
IMHO, lighter beers don't benefit as much from sitting longer in the fermentation vessel, but I'd leave a stout, porter or big beer in there more than a couple weeks after reaching FG. But we're still just talking about subtle changes in the flavor, not a knock your socks off difference.
How long has your beer been bottle conditioning? Maybe it just needs more time.
How long has your beer been bottle conditioning? Maybe it just needs more time.
icanbenchurcat
Well-Known Member
Try expirimenting with more hops. This will change the difference in timing to taste much more. You will loose a lot of hop smell in the primary, and the bitterness will mellow out as you bottle condition.
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