Coopers kit extracts and secondaries

[odh2507]

So with money being tight and researching for two months now. Ive looked into one stage kits. And i would like someone to confirm what im saying, to make sure im right. Extract brew kits just like the coopers kits do not require a secondary and can be bottled after reaching final gravity in primary. And also, i dont need to get 5 gallons of water to a certain temp but only one or two gallons, add extract, and cool down by using cold wat? And pitching yeast then. Does this all sound right?

 

[jaycount]

Yes.

Except, wait longer before bottling. You'll probably reach FG within 5-7 days but the beer will clean up alot if you leave it alone for 2-3 weeks minimum before bottling.

 

[odh2507]

Perfect.

I was in the understanding that once it reaches gravity and stays there for 2 days its good to go. I assume that 'aging' would bring out more flavor?

 

[jaycount]

You can bottle and drink it once its at FG but leaving it in the primary longer will give the yeast time to clean up and take care of off-flavors.

I give my beers 3 weeks MINIMUM (assuming its a low-medium gravity beer, longer for higher-grav brews) before bottling and kegging.

 

[odh2507]

Alright. Thanks for the help. Much appreciated

 

[Suilesre]

By John Palmers book "how to brew" don't follow the directions that come with any kit like Coopers. The kit is decent but I made the mistake of following their instructions... Yikes. Most important thing is to have fun.

 

[odh2507]

I have read that all extract kits seem to come with a generic set of instructions, but if i let it sit in the fermenter for another week after hitting gravity and then leaving it in a bottle for a bit to age them, wouldnt that take care of it, difi just follow the generic instructions?