Aging vs. Conditioning

[bspring18]

This is my first batch of homebrew, and I used a True Brew kit for a German dark beer (schwarzbier). I've bottled, and I'm a bit confused by the directions. They say a week after bottling you can put the beer in the fridge. Yet the sentence after that says "aging should continue for 3 more weeks." Will there be appreciable difference in waiting a few more weeks? From what I've read, it may be more carbonated, clearer and cleaner tasting. I'm just not entirely clear on what the differences are, and would like to get it figured out before my next batch.

Thanks!

 

[SKMO]

"aging should continue for 3 more weeks." Will there be appreciable difference in waiting a few more weeks? I'm just not entirely clear on what the differences are, and would like to get it figured out before my next batch.

Pretty the 'appreciable difference' is very real.. About the only way to understand it is to experience it.

Go ahead and drink half your beer at will, right now. It's probably pretty decent.

Save the other half and drink one every 5 days or so until they are gone. Then you will understand.

 

[Hang Glider]

The difference can be as much as "green-tasting" beer (young, not mature) to excellent.

It's a game (hobby) of patience. In fact, do a search on "patience" - you'll find 800 hits on this forum.

so, we all preach patience - for a reason. It DOES make a difference.

Welcome to HBT!!!

 

[jonmohno]

I tried with one beer after almost two weeks and stuck it in the fridge only a few hours(recommend 2 days). It was pretty carbonated excellent head and lacing but could still taste some of the slight green taste from the yeast byproduct from priming sugar.Im suspecting in a few weeks that will be gone. It was minute and know its from priming sugar and not from a month long ferment.It was barely noticable.And i think it is the best ipa i ever tried! Summit hops are on my list from now on.
The best way is to test (one or more) each week