Carbonation

[milesbishop]

I just bottled my first batch of beer on Monday and used corn sugar for carbonation. My question is, should there be anything to watch for during the carbonation process? Are there any visible changes that might happen that will tell me the beer is carbonating properly? Any info related to bottling and carbonation would help. I am using glass and plastic bottles, as well as glass flapper tops. Thanks!

 

[hunter_le five]

With glass bottles, you won't really be able to "see" anything happening.

With the plastic bottles, you should feel them get noticeably firm as they carbonate (think like an unopened soda bottle).

Best thing to do would be to wait 2-3 weeks, chill one bottle in the fridge as a "test" bottle, and then pour yourself a glass an see if the carbonation is to your liking (or nonexistent).

 

[yeastylad]

In my limited experience, no. I've bottled a few batches over the last year (maybe five or six 5 gallon batches) and there isn't any visible indication without opening a bottle. If it a regular batch of beer (ie not high gravity) you could crack a bottle after a week. It likely won't be fully carbonated, but it'll give you an idea if everything is going to plan. Full carbonation for your average bottle carbonated beer is typically 2-3 weeks.

 

[milesbishop]

I am brewing an Oatmeal Stout. I have read online that stouts take a little longer to carbonate than other beers. Would you still suggest trying one after a week?

 

[wardens355]

Try as you please. Worst that happens is it is not carbonated. I recommend chilling for a day or two first though. Sometimes stronger beers take longer, or if they've been aging a really long time and the yeast have been dormant and mostly settled out. If SG wasn't that high, 2-3 weeks is standard waiting time, but could be carbonated after a week.

 

[kh54s10]

I am brewing an Oatmeal Stout. I have read online that stouts take a little longer to carbonate than other beers. Would you still suggest trying one after a week?

No, that just wastes a beer. You should count on 3 weeks at room temperature for the average beer. Your stout may take a little longer. I have tried most of mine just longer than 2 weeks, some had carbonation, all of them tasted better at 3 weeks or longer.

 

[milesbishop]

3 weeks it is! Thanks for the advice!

 

[PinkFrog]

I've seen it suggested to have the first bottle you carb be a plastic bottle. That way if it's your first time carbing, you can get an idea of how fast the pressure builds up without opening the bottle.

Has anyone tried that before?

 

[PinkFrog]

Ah, nevermind! I clearly can't read! Glad others have tried the plastic bottle method, I'll be using it when I get home.

 

[firerat]

Why is this in announcements and feedback?

 

[TxBrew]

It's not anymore.