first time fermentation question

[Patch62383]

Hello just curious on how long to allow my first 2 five gallon batches to ferment. Currently I am brewing a extract kit from northern brewer called caribou slobber. It's been fermenting for 10 days now still active. I'm also fermenting a black rye IPA purchased locally also an extract kit. Currently on day 9 of fermentation and very very little airlock activity. I am not racking these beers because I want to keep it as simple as possible. My thoughts are to check my sg on the IPA Wednesday then again Saturday if all is good ill bottle the beer. With the caribou slobber ill probably deal with that next week it seems to be fermenting long at least going by airlock activity. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. First time brewing beer and very excited. BTW I'm using fermenting buckets don't know if that matters but thought I'd share.

 

[RM-MN]

Hello just curious on how long to allow my first 2 five gallon batches to ferment. Currently I am brewing a extract kit from northern brewer called caribou slobber. It's been fermenting for 10 days now still active. I'm also fermenting a black rye IPA purchased locally also an extract kit. Currently on day 9 of fermentation and very very little airlock activity. I am not racking these beers because I want to keep it as simple as possible. My thoughts are to check my sg on the IPA Wednesday then again Saturday if all is good ill bottle the beer. With the caribou slobber ill probably deal with that next week it seems to be fermenting long at least going by airlock activity. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. First time brewing beer and very excited. BTW I'm using fermenting buckets don't know if that matters but thought I'd share.

This is exactly how you tell when your beer is done fermenting. Airlock activity means nothing because for much of the time fermenting beer gives off no CO2 to make the airlock bubble. Some beers are done fermenting at 10 days, some are 4 weeks, some even longer. :rockin:

 

[ColoHox]

Welcome to the forum and the hobby, fellow Coloradoan.

A beer should stay in primary until it is at its terminal gravity. Many people (including myself) allow the beer to remain on the primary yeast cake for a few weeks, even though the bulk of fermentation is complete in a week or so. IME, my beers are clearer and have more stable flavors when I use an extended primary (3-4 weeks), although it is tough to wait that long with your first. Another option is to wait until the beer has fermented out, then transfer to a secondary fermenter for aging, clearing, or dry hopping, for example.

The only way to determine if fermentation is complete is by checking the gravity and never the airlock, especially when using a bucket.

If your beers are at final gravity and you are satisfied with the clarity and are not addition additional flavor (dry hop, oak, etc.), generally you are good to bottle or keg from there. Bulk aging your beer can help the flavors to mature and blend, although this will still happen in the bottle.

Good luck.

 

[Patch62383]

Thanks I love Colorado and GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!! BTW does it matter if I let me beer sit in the fermenter or the bottles. I understand about letting it sit and you get a more stable flavor. I guess I am confused wouldn't you still achieve this if it was to sit in the bottles for lets say 3-4 weeks after 2 weeks in the fermenter? Or is it better just to leave it in the fermenting bucket for that extended period of time?

 

[Patch62383]

Bulk aging your beer can help the flavors to mature and blend, although this will still happen in the bottle. I think I just answered my own question. I didn't read your response thoroughly.