Need Advice

[Cessna150]

My brew is finally ready to bottle but I don't think I am going to be able to do it until Monday. One the fermentation is done is it ok to wait three more days?

 

[homebrewmike]

I think three day wouldn't hurt, I personally wouldn't go any longer.

 

[Golddiggie]

I typically go 3-4 weeks from boil to kegging on moderate strength brews (for me, that's under 7%). I then use the 2 week 'set and forget' carbonation method on part, with the rest sitting in keg waiting for a spot to open up. Bigger brews go longer in primary before anything else (6-8 weeks).

99.995% of the fears, or 'boogymen', that are sited for moving your brew from primary are just that, boogymen that you can now ignore. Provided you followed proper sanitation practices, didn't do anything foolish during the process, you'll be fine.

99.x% of the time you'll get a better brew by letting it go longer. One easy benefit is clearer beer. Another is easier racking since the yeast cake gets more compact in the bottom of the fermenter. Also, it gives the yeast time to settle out (more than have already) while cleaning up after the fermentation process is finished.

BTW, how did you determine that the batch is 'ready to bottle'?? How long has it been in primary?? WHAT did you brew??

 

[SamHain]

I've gone a month after fermenting was done and the beer came out excellent. Some people have gone months without issue.

I read a while back someone let a beer settle out a year with only good results.

 

[helibrewer]

I cold crash everything (ales and of course lagers) so several weeks in fermentation vessels prior to packaging is my norm.

 

[conpewter]

Don't worry about it one bit, I've left it in a month.. 2 months, even 4 months before with no noticeable off flavors, but I try not to go over 1 month after fermentation (generally try to bottle 1 month after pitching)

 

[Cessna150]

Thanks fellas- I am a true rookie as this is my first batch. I can't even recall what I brewed without going to look in my kit other than its a Malt. I tried to get a beer hydrometer as that's what people say I need to truly know when it's done fermenting but haven't been able to get one yet. I was seeing yeast descending and ascending in my keg until yesterday which put it at about 18 days since I started. Since the activity stopped I am thinking its done and ready to bottle. I just have a fifty dollar "Mr. Beer" kit but plan on upgrading if I decide it's something I wanna continue. Thanks again!

 

[DrummerBoySeth]

My brew is finally ready to bottle but I don't think I am going to be able to do it until Monday. One the fermentation is done is it ok to wait three more days?

3 more days will not hurt. 3 more WEEKS will probably make better beer. 3 more MONTHS may be a little on the long side, but for the most part longer primary fermentations are better than short ones (within reason). Do not be afraid... the extra 3 days is helping your beer, not hurting it!