Hey guys,
Ok so, this is my first post, and im am a noob.
I hate to bring up an old thread, but this thread seemed the most relevant to my problem.
I just cooked up my first brew last night, a Honey Wheat Ale kit I bought from austinbrew(dot)com..... I used the White Labs Hefeweizen Ale yeast, and I got a lag time of 13 hours.
I have been getting different opinions from both veteran homebrewers, as well as the people working at my local homebrew shop, on the issue of racking to a secondary fermentation vessel...
The person at the homebrew shop suggested I dont use the secondary, since wheat beers tend to be hazy...
But, my brother who brews beer, suggested that I do use secondary, because I will have less sediment in my bottles... (i am bottling, not kegging)
So I understand that there are a lot of different opinions on this issue..
my question is, under my circumstances, and the equipment I am using.... what would be my best option for attaining a good quality, and clearer bottle for drinking...
I understand there are plenty of variables, so any help would be helpful... I have my first batch in the primary bucket right now... and I would like to know how long I should wait before I rack to secondary...or if I even should, for my particular style of beer.
I just really want to have a quality, and successful first batch... Any input would be appreciated.
Should I go by the 1-2-3 rule.... even for a Honey wheat ale?
I heard I should rack when my bubbles get down to 1 per 30seconds to a minute.
I also heard I should check my hydrometer readings, (which im more comfortable doing).....but in my beer has a OG of 1.046, and my target FG is 1.011....what gravity should I check for before I rack to a secondary........ this is something I couldn't find in any tread, or even the John Palmer book.
here is my recipe kit.
Honey Wheat Ale:
5 lbs. LME (wheat extract)
1 lbs Honey
8oz 2-Row Malt
4oz Crystal 20L Malt
8oz White Wheat
8oz Honey Malt
bittering hops: 3/4 oz. Cascade 60 minutes boil
aroma hops: 1.4oz. Cascade 5mins left in boil
Yeast: White Labs : American Hefewezen Ale 320
Thanks guys, and take it easy on the n00b....
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Im not here to bug people.... I just wanna make a good first homebrew is all...Thanks again.