Conditioning

[Saxmk6]

I am just curious: How long on average does everyone let the beer condition?

I just opened my first bottle of milk stout. Wow! It was very creamy, nice head, a good flavor, but obvious it needs a few weeks.

What is your general rule for conditioning?

 

[Brewsmith]

1 week primary, 2 weeks secondary, 3 weeks in bottle. More time is not a bad thing, though.

 

[rcbrew]

For my batches, I start with the 1-2-3 method. One in primary, two in secondary, and at least 3 in bottle. I have found that beer that I really wasn't excited about after 3 weeks in the bottle...give it a few more weeks/months in the bottle are turning out fantastic. Do not give up on a beer that has only been in the bottle for 3 weeks! Patence is a very rewarding thing in brewing.

 

[homebrewer_99]

I don't subscribe to the 1-2-3- method many others do.

I'll go for 1-2 weeks in the primary, 2 weeks in the secondary and up to 2 months in the bottle/keg before I start to drink my brew seriously.

 

[BrewmanBeing]

What is the point of "secondary fermentation"? In most cases it means racking off the sediment, and not adding anything to the beer. After a few days, fermentation is pretty much over so why not just do a primary fermentation until it stops bubbling, rack onto your priming sugar and bottle right then? Drinkable beer 2 weeks from brewing. It's usually how I do it and it tastes fine to me and my friends.

 

[BrewmanBeing]

Although, I will admit that after a couple of months in the bottle it tastes better.

 

[homebrewer_99]

What is the point of "secondary fermentation"? In most cases it means racking off the sediment, and not adding anything to the beer. After a few days, fermentation is pretty much over so why not just do a primary fermentation until it stops bubbling, rack onto your priming sugar and bottle right then? Drinkable beer 2 weeks from brewing. It's usually how I do it and it tastes fine to me and my friends.

It's technically not a second fermentation as much as a second stage. The purpose is to let the brew clear and mellow.

I drink out of clear glass mostly so I like it when I can see through my brew. For dark and muddy brews you can always use a ceramic mug.

 

[BrewmanBeing]

Couldn't you just bottle after a week of fermentation and allow it to clear in the bottle?

 

[Spyk'd]

It's a clearing issue really. If you don't mind the crap in your beer and/or are in it for the eurphoric nature of the beer and not the concentrated beauty and the discipline of the art...

...then you are fine...enjoy!




If it is more you seek, read on this forum, as it will answer all of your deeper inquiries.

 

[jma99]

For some reason, beer seems to comdition faster when in bulk.
I find my primed kegs after 2 weeks are MUCH better that the bottles of the same brew at that time.

Also, if it sits for a few weeks in the secondary, it conditions even faster in the keg.

Beer must get lonely, and want to be around more beer.

See, even your beer wants more beer!

Everyone wants more beer!

 

[BrewmanBeing]

I'm just getting back into brewing after a hiatus, but due to a carboy mishap I am forced to bottle an ale I brewed just last week today. I will let you know if it doesn't clear in the bottle or if it has excess sediment.

 

[Monk]

For some reason, beer seems to comdition faster when in bulk.
I find my primed kegs after 2 weeks are MUCH better that the bottles of the same brew at that time.

Also, if it sits for a few weeks in the secondary, it conditions even faster in the keg.

Beer must get lonely, and want to be around more beer.

See, even your beer wants more beer!

Everyone wants more beer!

I know I want more beer.