OK... I started my first brew (Ale) on Saturday, the 13th (Today is the 16th). It had an intial gravity of 1.060. The bubbling has slowed way down, and is now less than 1 bubble/minute. It has been fermenting at 74 degrees.
I just tested the gravity, and it's at ~1.019 which is almost in the acceptable range according to my info. (1.011-1.018).
I have read/heard MANY conflicting arguments as to what to do next, rack into a carboy, leave in the same fermentation bucket, leave in the same one until the gravity is right, leave it in for two weeks.....
I have two conflicting statements in two manuals that came with the equipment:
"Allow the wort to settle for seven days. After seven days, the fermentation should be complete, the beer has settled and will be fairly clear, and you're ready to bottle."
and
"...At that time [after vigerous fermentation] upi must rack the beer into a carboy. Leave carboy in fermentation area for next 14 days."
WHAT is a good next step for a BEGINNER brewer?
I just tested the gravity, and it's at ~1.019 which is almost in the acceptable range according to my info. (1.011-1.018).
I have read/heard MANY conflicting arguments as to what to do next, rack into a carboy, leave in the same fermentation bucket, leave in the same one until the gravity is right, leave it in for two weeks.....
I have two conflicting statements in two manuals that came with the equipment:
"Allow the wort to settle for seven days. After seven days, the fermentation should be complete, the beer has settled and will be fairly clear, and you're ready to bottle."
and
"...At that time [after vigerous fermentation] upi must rack the beer into a carboy. Leave carboy in fermentation area for next 14 days."
WHAT is a good next step for a BEGINNER brewer?