Does this sound right?

[Rich_S]

Brewed my first batch about two weeks ago, using the deluxe starter kit from Northern Brewer and the English Pale Ale recipe kit.

Fermentation started a day or so after I pitched. Developed a nice foamy krauesen, which lasted about a week and then subsided. Then there was a thin crusty layer of what I assume was yeast on top which lasted for a few days before chunks of it started breaking off the surface and sinking. Now (2 week point) that yeast crust is gone but the liquid is a lot cloudier than it was a few days ago (assume it's the yeast slowly settling).

Does this sound like what's supposed to happen?

I'm going to probably give it another week to clarify and then bottle.

 

[mvdilts]

I'd say that what you are seeing is normal and is supposed to happen. Do you have a hydrometer? If so I'd take a reading now and then another in a day or so to ensure that fermentation is done...

 

[BigB]

Everything is normal... Now leave it be for another week. Then take a hydrometer reading (which will likely be right on the mark) and bottle if its ready.

 

[3PegBrew]

If you're using a Single fermenter, leave it alone. Don't poke it, prod it, lick it, kiss it, fondle it, probe it, or even massage it! Wait a week

If you have a secondary fermenter, now would be the right time to transfer it (if you have gotten 3 days solid stop of fermentation). Then let it sit for a long time (3 weeks maybe).

Either way, leave it be.

 

[iron_city_ap]

If you're using a Single fermenter, leave it alone. Don't poke it, prod it, lick it, kiss it, fondle it, probe it, or even massage it! Wait a week

What about singing to it? Maybee the yeast would enjoy a little after dinner music.

 

[3PegBrew]

Maybe some Sinatra?

 

[scrambledegg81]

Maybe some Sinatra?

Pfft. Rage Against the Machine.

 

[BigB]

Pfft. Rage Against the Machine.

I wouldn't recommend this. I wouldn't want angry yeast head butting each other. The potential for off flavors is too great.

 

[Andy_LV]

reading Vinny The Pooh to yeast helps with fermentation, especially, if honey is involved!

 

[3PegBrew]

You could watch apocalypse now with the fermenter next to you...

 

[Rich_S]

Bottled it today.

The OG-FG chart in How To Brow shows it to be 4.6% ABV.

Best of all, it looks, smells, and tastes like beer. Obviously flat and warm, a little lighter than I expected (almost like an American Lager) but no off tastes. I can't wait to try it after 2 weeks of bottle conditioning.

 

[scrambledegg81]

Should be beer, as far as I know.

Worst case scenario, you've created a fantastic session PA.

 

[Rich_S]

Ok, it's been 4 days since I bottled. I'm not seeing any bubbles or krausen or anything in the bottles, no sign of activity at all. How do I tell if it's carbonating?

 

[cklages]

well, a bunch of people are about to tell you to wait at least two more weeks, but seriously, put one in the fridge for a day, take it out tomorrow and drink it.

It will taste green, and will definitely not be fully carbonated, heck it might not be even partially carbonated, but getting to know your beer as it goes through its stages is part of the fun. I've been brewing for a little while (albeit not a long while), and only recently tasted a wort right after the boil. Wow, what an eye-opener. I wouldn't want to have to drink a glass of it, but it sure helped me to get to know my beer.

Oh and remember, 3 weeks at 70 degrees is the commonly accepted time-frame for carbonation, but not all beers can read timetables.

 

[Rich_S]

well, a bunch of people are about to tell you to wait at least two more weeks, but seriously, put one in the fridge for a day, take it out tomorrow and drink it.

It will taste green, and will definitely not be fully carbonated, heck it might not be even partially carbonated, but getting to know your beer as it goes through its stages is part of the fun. I've been brewing for a little while (albeit not a long while), and only recently tasted a wort right after the boil. Wow, what an eye-opener. I wouldn't want to have to drink a glass of it, but it sure helped me to get to know my beer.

Oh and remember, 3 weeks at 70 degrees is the commonly accepted time-frame for carbonation, but not all beers can read timetables.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering what the standard time for carbonation was. Also, do you normally "see" anything happen when it's carbonating?

 

[cklages]

You will see yeast growing in the bottles, hold one up to the light and give it a little swirl. You should see a small cloud billow off of the bottom.

 

[mc_eric]

You will see yeast growing in the bottles, hold one up to the light and give it a little swirl. You should see a small cloud billow off of the bottom.

You might be able to see some CO2 bubbles rise up through the beer, too, but you probably won't see much if it's only been in the bottle for a few days.

 

[RAKBREW]

The standard answer seems to be there is no standard answer, it seems to me (and I'm very new at this) that brewing is trial and error......... trying new things to make your brew better, without making the same mistakes. If it's not fun......................you shouldn't do it....HAVE FUN! and good luck


:rockin:



Skole!

 

[Rich_S]

Well, it's been in the bottle for 2 weeks now, I put one in the refrigerator this morning and just cracked it open a few minutes ago. I am actually quite impressed. It is in fact very similar to a Bass Ale. Slightly less body and slightly more hoppiness but overall very close. And very good. I actually made beer.