I want to start out by saying that I am VERY new to homebrewing.
Round 1: I decided to start with a kit just to get the process down. Everything was well-sanitized, and we let the beer ferment for a little more than a week in primary and then two in secondary because that was what the kit said to do. It fermented in a room that was around 70 degrees the whole time. It turned out tasting like a weird hard cider.
Round 2: Used another kit, but did some more research before starting this time. Everything was well-sterilized again. Thinking that maybe that it didn't ferment long enough and at too high of a temperature, we decided to ferment it in a room that is about 60 degrees. It's been two weeks now, and it smells JUST like the last batch did - like apples/pears.
Both times the hydrometer showed that yes, indeed, it is fermenting, and both times it has reached the reading suggested by the kit.
Both times there has been no airlock activity, but we can't find any areas that aren't sealed.
What's the longest we can let this sit? Is that the problem? Is this an issue with kits? Any more ideas?
Thanks!
Round 1: I decided to start with a kit just to get the process down. Everything was well-sanitized, and we let the beer ferment for a little more than a week in primary and then two in secondary because that was what the kit said to do. It fermented in a room that was around 70 degrees the whole time. It turned out tasting like a weird hard cider.
Round 2: Used another kit, but did some more research before starting this time. Everything was well-sterilized again. Thinking that maybe that it didn't ferment long enough and at too high of a temperature, we decided to ferment it in a room that is about 60 degrees. It's been two weeks now, and it smells JUST like the last batch did - like apples/pears.
Both times the hydrometer showed that yes, indeed, it is fermenting, and both times it has reached the reading suggested by the kit.
Both times there has been no airlock activity, but we can't find any areas that aren't sealed.
What's the longest we can let this sit? Is that the problem? Is this an issue with kits? Any more ideas?
Thanks!