First real batch noob questions

[Mikequigs]

So I'm doing my first real batch, it's a Sierra Nevada PA clone. Everything according to plans except a little boil over which my brewing buddy said he cleaned up and my wife is now cursing him. OG is 1.052 which is the exact number at the top end of the recipe. He also dumped a small bit of the hops from the strainer into the primary bucket which I researched and don't think this is gonna make any difference.

My questions are:

1) My recipe says to rack after 3 days. Fermentation started today (nice big bubbles every 4-5 seconds in 3 piece airlock). Is 3 days enough?

2) I want to save the yeast from the bottom for a starter next pale ale batch and wondering if the small amount of hops will screw this up.

3) On my next pitch with starter (if okay) how much should I use. Original kit was 2 oz, but read that more may be better.

Thank you for your help in advance and look forward to many more interactions with this very helpful community.

 

[Ace_Club]

1) Don't rack. Let it sit in the primary for 3-4 weeks.

2) No.

3) Check the Mr. Malty pitching calculator.

 

[Rev2010]

I'd also give it 3 weeks in the primary. 3 days seems daft even to imagine racking to a secondary.


Rev.

 

[Hockeyhunter99]

1) 3 days is a little short of notice. let it sit longer 2-3wks

2) Look up "Washing Yeast" you can break it down into a couple of pint jars

3) Make a starter and pitch a whole pint jar.


Best of luck

 

[Mikequigs]

Thank you for your replies. So leaving in primary won't get contaminated by dead yeast? And is fermented 3 weeks in primary, should I go straight to bottle if FG is good?

 

[UrbanBrew]

Your yeast won't die they just get less active once all the sugars have been converted. If you decide to ferment entirely in the primary TRY to wait at least 4 weeks, then go straight to bottles.

 

[Hockeyhunter99]

3 wks is a good round number. make sure you SG is steady for 3 days straight. rack off yeast into bottle bucket. wash yeast in your primary.

the longer your beer sits on yeast the better it will taste. yeast produce off-flavors and weird compounds that they will clean up after themselves after a while. let it sit.

you will need to learn patience in this hobby. many people on here promote 4wk minimum in primary. try it once and see if this suits you.

PROST