my first batch is still in the primary carboy with very little signs of activity in the airlock. maybe one blurb every minute. was hoping to bottle this weekend. should i switch to a 2ndary or will it be ok to bottle? have not tested the gravity. it's and "english bitter."
nearing 14 days in primary
- Thread starter craiginho
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Test the gravity. If it's 75% of the OG, bottle it. If not, wait. No need to secondary.
test the gravity 
this is one part i can't quite get my head around. brew day gravity was 1.039 @ 75 degrees. 12 days later it is 1.019 at 65 degrees. have read this section several times, but am still confused as to what it all means.
i was encouraged though 'cause it smelled good and tasted good too, albeit flat.
i was encouraged though 'cause it smelled good and tasted good too, albeit flat.
craiginho said:
Gravity readings help to determine if fermentation is complete. If the gravity doesn't change over a few days then you will know that it is done. Also you can determine the ABV and ABW of your beer. Right now your beer would only be a 2.8% ABV so i highly doubt it is done.
at starting gravity of 1.039, i'd say it has a little ways to go yet. let her sit.
always leave it in your primary until fermentation is finished, meaning gravity doesn't change over a couple days (and it's low enough to be done.)
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