Any hope of having a HB on SB Sunday?

Scuba_Steve81 · Jan 30, 2015

I have a wheat that has been bottled at 64 degrees for just a week as of this Saturday evening. It has a 3.3 intended carbonation level, and I realize it is not going to be at that yet. Do you thing it will be drinkable though? It is my first real homebrew other than a failed Mr Beer a few years ago, and I would really like to drink one while watching the game. If not, I can wait...

Kylev · Jan 30, 2015

Hate to say it, but in all likelihood, it's not ready. That said, there's nothing wrong with having one during the game, as sort of a preview of things to come. For most of my batches, I end up sampling a bottle a week or 2 after bottling, mostly due to impatience.

doug293cz · Jan 31, 2015

64 F is low for bottle conditioning. Bottle conditioning typically takes ~3 wks at 70 F for good carbonation. It will take even longer to carb at lower temperatures.

Brew on :mug:

LabRatBrewer · Jan 31, 2015

I agree with the prior posters, it wont be ready. At best drinkable, but then you are short changing yourself. Like Kylev said, I would drink one just to know what is happening along the way, but don't judge the end result by it.

{edit} Missed the bottle conditioning. Anticipate a very flat slightly sweet result (no bite, oddly low in bitterness)

David_Trucks · Jan 31, 2015

Drink it, enjoy it, and remember that it will only get better when you try the next one a couple weeks later. I often try the first one after only a week or so and I'm always happy that I do.

beergolf · Jan 31, 2015

I agree with e others. One week at 64 degrees is not enough to get proper carbonation. More like 3 weeks at 70 (can be a little less). Also you will need a minimum of 24 hours in the fridge to get the carbonation absorbed into the beer. I prefer several days.

If you want to try one during the game, it is your beer so go ahead and try one. After you brew more you will figure out that it is just better to wait.