My First brew

[Bob869007]

Howdy. I'm fermenting my first brew. I used Coopers Dark Ale kit and substituted a 3 pound can of dark LME for the sugar the recipe calls for. I am using the Ale Yeast that came with the kit.

It took about 18 hours for the fermentation process to begin. I'm using a three piece air lock on a 6 gallon carboy. I'm on the sixth day of fermentation. The first day I was getting about 4 bubbles a minute. It then got up to 15-20 bubbles per minute for 4 days. It slowed down to about 10 bubbles per minute as of this morning. The carboy has been kept at 69 degrees F throughout the fermentation process. When I get home from work I will calculate my bubbles again.

I plan on racking over to the secondary when I get down to about 1-2 bubbles per minute. This whole process has been fun. I have three different books so far from cover to cover. This website has, along with some others, have helped me understand what I read in the books. Thanks to all of you who post information in here. It helps guys like tremendously.

 

[buckeyebrewer]

Wait until the bubbling stops. If there are bubbles that means it's not completed the fermentation. I usually leave mine at least 10 days....no need to rush things. I know its hard to wait, especially on the first brew, but hang in there and be patient. Congrats on the first brew!!!!:rockin:

 

[Bob869007]

Wait until the bubbling stops. If there are bubbles that means it's not completed the fermentation. I usually leave mine at least 10 days....no need to rush things. I know its hard to wait, especially on the first brew, but hang in there and be patient. Congrats on the first brew!!!!:rockin:

Ok. LHBS told me to do it that way but I will take your advice and wait. This is not the first time that I have read this. Thanks again.

 

[Pugilist]

First rule of thumb to remember when primary fermenting is that bubbling or lack thereof in the airlock is NOT the best indicator for when it is done. Use a hydrometer and check your gravity for the best result.

Good luck on the first beer and ENJOY the process, dont stress!

 

[rescue brew]

I rushed my first brew through the process, 2-3 days in primary , 7-10 in secondary , 7 in bottle then started drinking them. Over the next few weeks I noticed the beer tasting better and better. (Now I know what bottle conditioning is for) .

Then I found this forum

The next batch I used the 1-2-3 method. AND I am so glad I did. Taste, aroma,texture... everything was better. I wish I would have been more patient for that first batch.

If you want to be really happy AND impress your drinkin buddy. WAIT ! don't rush it you will be drinking better beer.