Secondary to soon or to late

[mk1271]

What are some problems with moving to the secondary to soon or waiting to late

 

[Yooper]

Well, if you move it too soon, sometimes fermentation can stall or stop. I can't think of any problems with moving it "too late"- I don't think there would be a situation where it would be too late to rack it.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Plus when racking too early your brew can acquire a buttery flavor (diacetyl) because the yeast hasn't cleaned up the wort yet.

Leave it alone...

 

[Rick500]

Unless you have a specific reason to move to secondary, don't bother.

 

[Wrathbone]

Many people will debate the necessity of using a secondary vessel. I use one, simply because I have an ale pail and a 5 gallon carboy - only one is suitable for primary fermentation, so must move it to a secondary to keep the pipeline moving.

To answer your question, though - you have more to lose from racking too soon than too late. In fact, moving beer too late rarely becomes a problem.

 

[MultumInParvo]

Wow, you have both HB99 and Yooper as the first two replies to your thread. I think you'd be best off to take their advice.

Now if you had Revvy you would have had the whole trifecta.

 

[homebeerbrewer]

Unless you have a specific reason to move to secondary, don't bother.

I was going to say the same thing. Using a secondary isn't necessary.