Lost power - no heat

lhommedieu · Nov 3, 2012

Like most in Long Island, I've lost power and heat. Temperatures in my basement are still about 60 (the house is well insulated, and I'm burning indoor kerosene heaters upstairs) - but I'll be away for a couple of days and the temperature will likely go down while I'm away.

I just made my first home brew and am thinking about racking my beer after 2 weeks of primary fermentation. So, my question is whether to hold off racking until the power goes back on, on the theory that my primary container is sealed, and, although fermentation is over, there is probably a a layer of CO2 on the top of the bucket. Or, am I over-thinking this and should I just go ahead and rack to a 5 gallon carboy?

Best,

Steve

Jaybird · Nov 3, 2012

Steve
I dont move my beers for 3-4 weeks anyway. S0 either is going to be OK..Whats your concern?

Jay

madman960 · Nov 3, 2012

I am new to home brew also. However, I believe it would depend on type of beer, and some other factors. If you made a beer that does not require secondary fermentation, you could bottle your beer so it can carb while you are gone. I would wrap them in a blanket while you are away. Or once bottled, ask a friend that is staying behind to hold on to them.

Bill

Obliviousbrew · Nov 3, 2012

Rack or not, at two weeks primary you beer is probably fermented, swings in temperature are no biggie after fermentation it´s completed. Your are overthinking it.

lhommedieu · Nov 3, 2012

I'm racking strictly to clarify the beer - but from a 5 gallon primary to a 5 gallon carboy - and just for one week.

sonex · Nov 3, 2012

more time in primary letting the yeast clean up after itself will only improve your beer. If it was my beer I would not rack for another week or 2. If its a ale I would even forget the secondary stage, the extra time in primary will help clear the beer.