Is Fermentation done?

[Ylbc]

I have a stout im brewing that FG should be 1.014. For three days my hydrometer readings are 1.018. Not awesome, but decent. The only thing that is stopping me from bottling is that the beer itself seems to have bubbles slowly coming to the top of the liquid, which makes me think it's somewhat fermenting. Its only been 7 days post brew day. Any suggestions?

 

[myndflyte]

I'd give it another 2 weeks before bottling. It's probably still finishing up and over that time it'll probably drop another few points.

 

[radwizard]

Record you current gravity and check it again in a week. Are you bottling?

 

[suprchunk]

Tried replying with the new system and failed, see below...

 

[suprchunk]

the beer itself seems to have bubbles slowly coming to the top of the liquid

That is CO2 coming out of suspension.

 

[PADave]

Let the yeast do their thing. 2 weeks min, especially for a stout. I'd personally do at least 3 weeks.

 

[flars]

The SG may be stable now indicating the fermentation is over but if a large amount of CO2 is still off gassing particles will still be held in suspension. The suspended particles will end up in the keg or bottles if you package now. A little more time in the primary will give you clearer beer to drink.

Extra time in the primary will also confirm whether or not the fermentation is done.

 

[Roland_deschain]

Patience, grasshopper...........

 

[Ylbc]

Thanks guys. I'll follow your advice and let it sit another couple of weeks.

 

[Ylbc]

Record you current gravity and check it again in a week. Are you bottling?

Yes im bottling.

 

[STMF]

If you have the the same OG 3 days in a row, I see no reason to let it sit for another two weeks.

However, it wont hurt anyting either.

 

[DonGavlar]

Im only on my third brew so im not exactly one to give expert advice but i’ve left both batches in the primary for 3 weeks. I dont plan on ever having a batch in for shorter but I will certainly be leaving some in for longer (higher gravity, stouts, porters etc.) Both my fermentations looked pretty much done by 7-10 days, however, the difference in clarity and colour was pretty huge from week 1 to week 3. I’d say leave your beer in there for atleast 2-3 weeks, I think a bit of patience really pays off in the final product!

But again, im a novice so.. I’m just going by what I’ve been told and only have how my beer turned out to go by (which was great!)