First brew! Help

[lavellmike702]

I am brewing my first batch. I love IPA so that what I am brewing. Not sure if things are going right. I started brewing on the 6th of march 2013 and my airlock hasn't been throwing o2 I looked at other post and yes sometimes that doesn't mean anything correct? I kinda re-shook up my tub. And there was pressure. So I cleaned off the airlock and put it in again. I was also getting suck back idk how I avoid that. I will try to attach some pictures thanks for the help is it fermenting?

 

[gcdowd]

Looks like it fermented. Close her back up and wait another week to let the yeast clean up

 

[DocScott]

Looks fine! Looks like you had successful fermentation with the krausen mostly dropped now. Don't worry about the airlock activity. From your picks, it looks like it worked fine, letting co2 escape while keeping o2 out. Leave it be (without opening or messing with it) for another couple weeks then package it up. See revvy's post about airlocks and their use, and remember it every time you are fermenting! Congrats on your first brew.

 

[grem135]

+1 also check out Revvy's bottling tips thread here.

 

[lavellmike702]

Thanks for the response. So how do I tell it's done if the airlock doesn't bubble? What would happen if I left it in the jug for say longer than it should be? Just wondering.

 

[DocScott]

Thanks for the response. So how do I tell it's done if the airlock doesn't bubble? What would happen if I left it in the jug for say longer than it should be? Just wondering.

Leaving it longer will likely only improve it and let it clear. In order to measure your beer's "doneness" you need to measure its gravity. After 2-3 weeks, take a measurement. Repeat again in 2-3 days and if its the same, it's finished. If its lower, give it another few days and recheck.

 

[lavellmike702]

Thanks again ill let you no in a few weeks. How long do I need to let it bottle for before being able to consume it

 

[dmashl]

For bottle conditioning...Try one after a week(chill for at least a day), if thats not enough carbonation for you,try one the 2nd week(again, chill for a day). 2 weeks is usually good for me, but it is all in preference. some on here say 3 weeks minimum.

 

[DocScott]

I'm in the 3 week minimum, but I still sample one after about 2 weeks in bottles bc I'm impatient. Ill tell you from experience that the beer really does get better if you can wait a few more weeks. I think 3-5 weeks gets most beers where they need to be. Higher gravity beers tend to take longer for flavors to mellow/blend.