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How long to keep dubbel in the fermenter?

Discussion in 'Fermentation & Yeast' started by philly224, Jan 16, 2018.

 

  1. #1
    philly224

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 16, 2018
    I was planning on brewing this on Saturday:

    https://www.brewersfriend.com/homebrew/recipe/view/590275/first-belgian-dubbel

    My question is how long do you guys usually let dubbels go in your fementation vessel? I have a chest freezer I use for temp control that has a heater in it but I'd rather not keep that tied up for too long. The issue is my basement is about 55 degrees so it might get too cold. If I let it go for about 2 weeks, make sure I hit fg and then transfer it into a keg and let it sits at 55-60 degrees for another 2-3 weeks do you think ill be okay?

    Thanks!
     
  2. #2
    JohnSand

    Moderator Staff Member  

    Posted Jan 16, 2018
    Yes, I think it will be okay. I generally leave my beers 3 weeks fermenting, but they are always finished sooner. Your recipe does not include yeast, but I find that WLP530 and Wyeast 3787 (reputed to be the same) ferment well at a wide range of temperatures. I use it for Dubbels. If you check your gravity before kegging, you can be sure it is finished.
     
    philly224 likes this.
  3. #3
    philly224

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 16, 2018
    I was going to use 3787 and ferment at 72. Does that sound too high?
     
  4. #4
    JohnSand

    Moderator Staff Member  

    Posted Jan 16, 2018
    No, I like 3787 in the low to mid seventies. It will ferment well in the sixties, but cleaner, with less "Belgian" flavor.
     
  5. #5
    EtchyLives

    Supporting Member  

    Posted Jan 16, 2018
    I fermented 530 at 72° and had a lot of phenols on my tripel for the first two months and only then did they start to subside. I would keep it under 70° if you want a quick turn around. But if you're willing to wait then turn up the heat and let it sit either in the primary or bottles for a couple months. Sadly just as the fruitiness started to pop and the phenols subsided I emptied the keg.
     
  6. #6
    philly224

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 17, 2018
    Ill probably leave it in the fermenter for 2-3 weeks and then the keg in my 55-60 degree basement for at least 4 weeks. I don't mind waiting if it will produce a better beer.

    Pardon my ignorance as this will be my first time brewing a belgian but how do you detect phenols?
     
  7. #7
    EtchyLives

    Supporting Member  

    Posted Jan 17, 2018
    philly224 likes this.
  8. #8
    JohnSand

    Moderator Staff Member  

    Posted Jan 17, 2018
    A search might yield some threads on using those yeasts, collectively referred to as Westmalle.
     
    philly224 likes this.
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