Fermentation Stopped. Gravity question...

[Joser14]

Hi, Im brewing a brown ale right now. I did the 1% alcohol boost to it. The OG was supposed to be at 1.050, but with the extra cornsugar it was at 1.058. The gravity should be at 1.014 after fermenation, but I'm not sure if the alcohol boost is going to affect that. I'm totally new to this. I brewed the beer on Friday night and the bubbles stopped in the airlock around 24 hours into it. Should I take a hydrometer reading, and if so, what number should I be looking for in order to rack it into my secondary?

 

[Joser14]

Update. It is at 1.014 perfectly. Quite a great feeling that everything works out as it should. So if its at 1.058 to 1.014 that makes my ABV 5.7%? thats right on with what it shoudl be with with 1% boost. Is it ok to rack into the secondary, or is it best to wait a few more days? Again, I brewed this late Friday night so it is relatively quick.

 

[JuanMoore]

I'd wait at least a couple weeks. Even if the fermentation is pretty much done, the yeast still need time to clean up after themselves. Many of us here let it sit in the primary for a minimum of 3 weeks, then bottle and let it condition for another minimum of 3 weeks. If you really want to use a secondary, I'd suggest 1 week in the primary, 2 weeks in the secondary, and then the same 3 weeks in the bottle. Your patience will be rewarded.

 

[Joser14]

Thanks Juan. The hydrometer readings arent necessary anymore now are they? Considering I hit the right numbers? I have a Summer Crisp IPA that I just made. OG was at 1.68 cause I wanted to make this one strong. Didnt have a blowoff tube and I paid the price. Stuff shot everywhere, but I managed to save it.

 

[weirdboy]

Just because you are at 1.014 doesn't mean your beer is done fermenting. Of course, it might be done, but just let it sit for a couple of weeks and check it again.

 

[Joser14]

So much to learn. so much to learn. haha you guys are awesome. thanks a lot. I bought the kit from Austin Home Brew and they suggested 5-7 days in primary, 5-7 in secondary then 2 weeks for bottling at least.

 

[JuanMoore]

While the hydrometer readings aren't really neccesary, I'd still take one when you bottle to check the FG. That way you know whether or not fermentation really was done, and you can also accurately calculate ABV.

Kit directions are often geared towards selling more kits more often. They'll make beer, but a little extra time often makes for better beer.