Bottling Question

[Jaymac99]

Ok, I have a batch of Octoberfest that's been in the bucket for a little over 2 weeks. I was notified a week after I made the batch that I need to goto Afghanistan for a period of no more than 90 days. I am leaving tomorrow. Should I leave it in the bucket for the 90 days, or bottle it tonite.

 

[ACbrewer]

if the question is 'can I leave it in the bucket for 90 days' I'm sure someone here has done that. If the question is 'do I trust those #$@^*)%@^( to ship me back on time'? then being the pessimist, I'd say bottle it!

 

[medusa1066]

Bottle it

 

[IXVolt]

I'd take a hydro sample and see if you are at FG. After two weeks I'd be surprised if the beer wasn't done fermenting.

Once you know that, I would either transfer to a secondary and let her sit for 90 days. Or bottle. Either way I think you'd be safe. If you think there's a good chance you'll be longer than 90 days. I'd probably just bottle it.

 

[Germelli1]

Pending gravities readings to confirm it is done, I would bottle it now. As long as fermentation is finished, it will condition beautifully in the bottle for 3 months. If you have a roomate or significant other at home I would even ask them to move it (or at least a six pack) into the fridge after 60 days!

 

[BrewThruYou]

I'd bottle it tonight. Be safe over there.

 

[Revvy]

I'd bottle it tonight. Be safe over there.

Plus when you get back it will already be carbed.

 

[skelrad]

If the fermentation has stopped, you can go ahead and bottle it. A lot of people bottle right away anyway. I routinely leave my beers in the primary for 3-4 weeks, but I know people who have done it for months without any trouble. You'd probably be okay, but I think I'd lean towards bottling anyway. That way when you come home you've got perfect beer waiting for you!