Turkeyfoot Jr.
Well-Known Member
I have a tripel that was in the primary for two weeks and come this weekend will have been in the secondary for a week. The SG when I racked it was 1.009, down from a OG of 1.084. By my calculations that makes for a 9.8% ABV and I could tell when I tasted it during the transfer, very strong alcohol flavor. I could also tell that behind the alcohol was a very good tasting beer, this is my first tripel and it was a welcome change from the wheats and pale ales I've been doing. The beer's already really clear so I don't think it needs to stay in the secondary for clearing purposes.
Should I bottle it this weekend and then let it bottle condition for several weeks until the flavor mellows or should I leave it in the secondary for a couple more weeks and then bottle? There are a couple catches as well, if I don't bottle this weekend or next then I won't be able to till July 14th because I'll be out of town AND if I don't bottle this weekend I'll need to buy another carboy since I need to rack another brew. Not that buying another carboy is a bad thing it's just an expense I didn't want to incur right now.
I guess the crux of my question is will the beer be better if I let it still in the secondary for another 1-4 weeks or will it be just as good or better if I bottle it earlier and let it bottle condition for that time.
Should I bottle it this weekend and then let it bottle condition for several weeks until the flavor mellows or should I leave it in the secondary for a couple more weeks and then bottle? There are a couple catches as well, if I don't bottle this weekend or next then I won't be able to till July 14th because I'll be out of town AND if I don't bottle this weekend I'll need to buy another carboy since I need to rack another brew. Not that buying another carboy is a bad thing it's just an expense I didn't want to incur right now.
I guess the crux of my question is will the beer be better if I let it still in the secondary for another 1-4 weeks or will it be just as good or better if I bottle it earlier and let it bottle condition for that time.