My beer is done fermenting and I am going to transfer to a secondary, but I don't have time to do it right now because I'm leaving town. I won't be back until Wednesday. Is this to long to wait or does it not matter. Thanks
How long can you leave brew in the fermentor?
- Thread starter ratm4484
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ratm4484 said:
RDWHAHB.
Seriously, you will be absolutely fine. Some folks will warn you about autolysis (when the yeast cannibalize themselves and produce off-flavors in so doing), but that would literally take months. The secondary fermentation (in terms of homebrewing practice) is basically a clearing tank - a place where you can put your beer to clear up and bulk-age. It is entirely unnecessary (although a preferred practice providing your brewing techniques are sanitary), and your beer could sit in the primary fermenter for at least a month or two without any negative side effects. This time should be reduced if your beer is sitting on a lot of trub or something. You are talking about a few extra days, so don't worry.
Leave it longer if you need to . It'll be great beer.
Anything less than a month AFTER the fermentation finishes is not a problem. I've never met a homebrewer who has had a problem with autolysis. I go straight from the fermenter to cornies & I have a barley wine that took three months to finish fermenting, so I know there is yeast in it. Three years later, it's just coming into its prime.
