Hey guys - just recently joined the forum but have already got some great advice on my first home brew. I had read some other threads to try and find an answer, but my situation is a bit different so I thought I'd start my own thread. I'm brewing a Baron's Pale Ale kit that I started last Friday May 6. It's been fermenting for 4 days now. The kid suggests transferring to a secondary between 3-6 days, but I was going to do it on the 7th day. I've been reading that most people wait much longer (usually 2-3 weeks?), but I'm not sure if this is the right decision for me for a few reasons.
- Unfortunately I don't have a hydrometer, so I don't have any readings to go off. I will definitely be investing in one for my next batch
- I'm not sure how great the seal is on my primary fermenting bucket. It is a food grade ~40 L bucket, with a lid and a tiny hole in the middle for an airlock (which fits quite tight), but not big enough for a bung. I'm seeing no activity in the airlock, and the seal around the edges seems a bit loose to me, so I'm just a bit worried it's not quite as safe and sealed as it should be.
My two questions would be...
1) What is the advantage of waiting an extra week or two as far as the beer goes?
2) Given my situation with my primary fermentation bucket, should I wait it out or rack it within the next couple of days to prevent possible harm to the beer? Or is it already too late?
Thanks, looking forward to your responses.
- Unfortunately I don't have a hydrometer, so I don't have any readings to go off. I will definitely be investing in one for my next batch
- I'm not sure how great the seal is on my primary fermenting bucket. It is a food grade ~40 L bucket, with a lid and a tiny hole in the middle for an airlock (which fits quite tight), but not big enough for a bung. I'm seeing no activity in the airlock, and the seal around the edges seems a bit loose to me, so I'm just a bit worried it's not quite as safe and sealed as it should be.
My two questions would be...
1) What is the advantage of waiting an extra week or two as far as the beer goes?
2) Given my situation with my primary fermentation bucket, should I wait it out or rack it within the next couple of days to prevent possible harm to the beer? Or is it already too late?
Thanks, looking forward to your responses.