How long can fermentation take?

Wagwag · Jan 17, 2014

Im not saying this because I'm getting impatient. I've done plenty I meads and ciders, I know how to be patient.
My issue is that I started a cider 3 days ago. Probably my most technical ever (maintaining ph, acidity, temperature to a T). It had a very active fermentation, as of last night I was rolling along nicely. Wake up today and it's still, all my yeast has sunk to the bottom, no vap lock action. I'm going to check its gravity tomorrow (my day off). But is it possible that it blew through all the sugars already and fermented to dry on me? Within 3 days?

Pickled_Pepper · Jan 17, 2014

I'd say it's possible that you've eaten through the bulk of the sugar in three days. Depending on your temps and yeast. There still might be a few points remaining but things just slowed down to a crawl.

Randzor · Jan 17, 2014

I have one thats been fermenting for 2 months... We'll see how it tastes.

oregonbrew541 · Jan 17, 2014

Randzor said:
I have one thats been fermenting for 2 months... We'll see how it tastes.

its definitely possible what kinda yeast?

fraychineaudj · Jan 17, 2014

Most ciders I have made do exactly what yours have. It will rip through sugars for 3-5 days then nothing. Usually at this time it has consumed roughly 40-50%of sugars. The yeast are still eating though so don't get discouraged. Its not like brewing beer where it stops fermenting quickly. It takes another 2-4 weeks to eat to the target gravity. Be careful though cause it could eat beyond the target and you end up too dry.
A good practice is to take sample gravities along the way. If you have a racking cane to use in your carboy you can take samples fairly easily. Just remember to clean and sanitize before you use.
When your cider gets to the target grav you can rack and chill it to stop fermentation or you can stop it immediately with potassium sorbate.
Good luck!

Randzor · Jan 17, 2014

Champagne, I think its fermenting at 40-50 degrees...

oregonbrew541 · Jan 18, 2014

Well thats pretty damn cold I'm surprised it ripped through the sugars at that temp but yea the last guy was right if u can test gravity reading along way do it and when it gets to about 1.010 start testing daily. For me i can't get my house lower then *68f so it usually take about two weeks in primary and a week in secondary to finish all the way but thats my setup. U have a hydrometer right?