first brew...small batch kit

[wtaylor3]

Received a craft-a-brew kit for Christmas and two weeks ago i very strictly followed the directions and brewed and put it in the 1-gal carboy and after about twelve hours the blowoff hose started to bubble so i switched to the airlock per the instructions and still had bubble action.

After 3-4 days the bubbles stopped and i immediately got on here and read the beginner faqs and seen that all should be well...i don't have a hydrometer so im just following the directions which say it should be bottled this Saturday...by the way the kit is an American pale ale

 

[kh54s10]

Leave it in fermentation for at least 2 weeks, without a hydrometer I suggest 3 weeks so you are sure that it has fully fermented. Longer will not hurt and may be even better. I do most of my beers in primary only for 3 weeks, then bottle or keg them.

 

[IvanTheTerribrew]

Welcome to homebrewing! I would let it stay in the fermenter for at least 2 full weeks. I know your instructions say otherwise but you should let the yeast take their time to do their thing. Once they finish fermentation they begin a sort of clean up process that help the flavor of the beer. Just let it ride out a full two weeks, keep it away from sunlight, and watch your temperature during fermentation. Good luck!

 

[JusBiz]

Personally, I would wait 3 weeks in your carboy and 2 weeks in the bottles. I know the directions say otherwise, but if you can be patient, you'll usually end up with better beer. Since you don't have a hydrometer, 3 weeks will give more time if fermentation hasn't finished and aging cures a lot of off flavors if any... Enjoy!

 

[wtaylor3]

I should clarify...this Sat. Will be two wks in primary....i did think about getting a second carboy and doing 1-2 weeks of secondary being that i typically drink light or amber lagers and a few ales but rarely pale ales....being an apa it should be a little less hoppy then an ipa correct? I do enjoy the occasional two hearted ale from bells