and ANOTHER noob question from me

[tig66208]

So I brewed Northern Brewer's No. 8 belgian ale the other day, and it's the first time I've done a secondary fermentation. I usually just leave it in the primary longer.

Anyway. The instructions said give it a week, then rack to secondary.

I waited about 9 days. There was still some active fermentation, but it had slowed down significantly.

Now, in my secondary, it's still fermenting some. But in reading tonight, I've learned that secondary is generally best used just for clarifying.

So, I may have racked early. But if I just give it plenty of time (6-8 weeks?) I should be ok, right?

 

[wacko]

yep, should be fine.

 

[3PegBrew]

Let it sit....and sit...and sit...and sit....and sit....and sit....

check back in 2 weeks....

yay! (and I'm telling you this while I'm buzzed off my IPA and Cider ((not together, but over 8% ABV each)) oh yeah baby)

 

[Baldy_Beer_Brewery]

Anyway. The instructions said give it a week, then rack to secondary.

Worst thing about kit instructions IMHO is that they automatically assume a week. A week works in most cases, but it just seems to be a poor thing to add to instructions.

 

[mr_bell]

yay! (and I'm telling you this while I'm buzzed off my IPA and Cider ((not together, but over 8% ABV each)) oh yeah baby)

On a school night and everything! I tip my hat to you.

Cheers!

 

[FirefighterSR2]

Now, in my secondary, it's still fermenting some. But in reading tonight, I've learned that secondary is generally best used just for clarifying.

The need for a secondary has been a major point of debate on the forums. Most would agree, however, that the instructions given with those kits are extremely generic, and tend to rush things along.

If you elect to use a secondary, the best way to determine the right time to rack is by taking a series of gravity readings to ensure that fermentation has stopped. The airlock can be used as a guide, but is no substitute for actual readings.

Also keep in mind that there are a lot of processes that occur after primary fermentation has ended...so it would be wise to give the yeast a little time to clean up after themselves.

Personally, I let beers sit in primary for no less than two weeks (depending on the original gravity) and sometimes quite a bit longer. I also don't use a secondary. Play around with it and see what feels right to you. But as 3PegBrew said....let it sit. Time is your friend...