Hi from new homebrewer

[jdavisdpt22]

I'm from northern Illinois, near WI border. Have bought the starter kit and have a Honeyweizen waiting to brew. I have seen people say to skip the secondary fermentation. My recipe kit says to put in secondary at day 3-4. Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[seabrew8]

Welcome, its a matter of choice really. It will help clear the beer quicker. But your making a wheat beer so personally i wouldn't waste my time transfering it to another vessel.

I rarely used another vessel personnally. I place the fermenter in a cold fridge after it ferments out and add gelatin a day later. Its a great way to get crystal clear beer.

 

[jdavisdpt22]

So if I skip that I just need to bottle condition longer?

 

[kev211]

First off, welcome!

Yes, skip secondary.

Secondary was mainly from the "old" days where yeast wasnt as advanced. When the yeast "died" (autolysis) they would release a chemical that would create an off flavor so getting the beer off them asap was preferred. Todays yeast dont have that issue as much, so leaving a beer on them for a longer duration is fine. Unless you plan on aging,or racking over fruit, or want that extra clarity (you're doing a weizen so obviously clarity isnt a huge concern) dont worry about secondary. It only increases the chance that your beer will get infected or oxidized.

 

[kev211]

So if I skip that I just need to bottle condition longer?

Nope. Your kit probably says, primary for 3-4 days and secondary for a week or so. Instead, just leave it in primary for 2-3 weeks and bottle when ready.

 

[Build]

I would also skip the secondary, and 3-4 days is very early anyway. Secondaries are useful if you're adding cocoa, coffee, fruit, etc, but not for many beers, and definitely not useful a honeyweizen.

Good luck with your first one. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[seabrew8]

I would bottle in 10-14 days personally. But lots of folks like to let it sit longer but its not necessary. The fermentation will be over in less then 7 days typically. I used to use the 10/10 rule, my own . Ferment 10 days and then bottle for 10 days and try a beer. Many times it was carbonated.

You'll see a lot of relatively long conditioning/aging suggestions around here - not sure why. I have yet to see a huge difference in 10 day fermented beer opposed to 21 days. Its the law of diminishing returns.

 

[jdavisdpt22]

Thank you all for your suggestions, I look forward to learning new things and try new recipes

 

[GeorgeHenry]

Welcome aboard from Southern Vermont

 

[jdavisdpt22]

Brewed the Honeyweizen today, fermenting in Ale Pail. Planning on leaving it in there at least 10 days then bottling.

 

[jdavisdpt22]

Just finished bottling my Honeyweizen, I would say it's a touch lighter than Amber in color. I sampled a little and it had a tiny "hot" alcohol smell and taste. Will this lighten up in the bottle?

 

[Cyclman]

Welcome to the hobby, and the group, from CO

 

[jdavisdpt22]

Just finished bottling my Honeyweizen, I would say it's a touch lighter than Amber in color. I sampled a little and it had a tiny "hot" alcohol smell and taste. Will this lighten up in the bottle?

Bump

 

[KenEnnis]

I'm from northern Illinois, near WI border. Have bought the starter kit and have a Honeyweizen waiting to brew. I have seen people say to skip the secondary fermentation. My recipe kit says to put in secondary at day 3-4. Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

the 3-4 days does seem short.
I was told that secondary fermentation not only clears the beer and by going to a smaller vessel like 6 gallons to 5, is a very good idea , because there is less air space involved.

 

[jdavisdpt22]

the 3-4 days does seem short.

I was told that secondary fermentation not only clears the beer and by going to a smaller vessel like 6 gallons to 5, is a very good idea , because there is less air space involved.

I skipped the secondary and had it in the primary for 20 days, then bottled. They have been in the bottles for 10 days now. I may throw one in the fridge when I get home tonight and try one.

 

[jdavisdpt22]

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1467149420.264357.jpg

Here's the end product! Quite pleased with it, it is a little stronger than what I thought it was going to be.

 

[jschein]

Looks great. Congrats [emoji482]

 

[jmill]

Welcome, and congrats on being able to enjoy your first brew!