ok to bottle?

[FirstTimer]

My first batch of home brew! My starting OG was 1.055 and fermentation only seemed to last 36-48 hrs. I even added extra yeast and yeast energizer but my final FG was at 1.020 and hasn't changed for 5 days. Can I safely bottle my beer now? Need advice.

 

[Stanleyjw]

how long has it been in total? more then 5 days right?

 

[pharaohpierre]

I need more information. What type of beer are you trying to make. What was your mash temperature? What was your fermentation temperature? What type of yeast are you using? Plus the most important thing is that 36-48 hours is not enough to fully ferment a beer, 5 days may not be enough. It could take 10 days. Give us more information please

 

[GrogNerd]

while it is possible to bottle beers any time after fermentation is complete, the magical little beasties need time to do other things so give them another week or so

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

If it was an extract batch you are more than likely done. Alot of extract batches finish out at 1.020 if your gravity hasn't dropped any more in 5 days I think your fine to bottle. There really isn't any reason you would have needed to pitch more yeast into the batch. Short of adding your yeast to wort 150F+ there should've been plenty in your fermenter to do the job. Adding more yeast won't help the gravity drop more. The yeast that are already in the fermenter will eat all fermentable sugars till its gone. Unless your ABV increased past the yeast tolerance which is generally not the case for most homebrews. Maybe a barleywine or big RIS but on average there will be plenty of yeast to do the job. Next time just let the yeast do their thing and save the extra yeast for the next batch.

 

[FirstTimer]

I'm brewing a Scottish Ale. My temps throughout have been 66-68 degrees. I did only have 4 1/2 gallons in my fermenter instead of 5. Would this account for my FG staying at 1.020? (Started fermenting on 1/1.) Fermentation seemed to stop after 36-48 hours. Tomorrow will be 7 days total.

 

[Euphist]

I personally won't bottle anything until at least 4-weeks. I will keg sooner, but not bottle...bottle bombs are no fun (don't ask how I know...)

 

[dozer5454]

+1 on waiting a while longer. After fermentation is done there is still cleanup for the yeast to do. You may be stuck at 1.20 on this batch but that's ok. The total in your fermentation vessel is not a factor. If you did an extract batch could be. If all grain, then mash temps could be a factor. If your not dry hopping, and your in a hurry, go 3 weeks then bottle. You will be fine.

 

[jackfrost]

I dnt make a lot of beer but I make hard cider and I have had a few quick ferments like rapid fire bubble bubble bubble and the have finished in 48- 60 hrs. Buy a 20 oz coke fill it 3/4 up prime IR and watch it check it every 12 hours for firmness then taste if you like it its done.....

BTW make sure you get the same reading 3 times spaces 2 days apart.

 

[logan3825]

Giving out the recipe would make diagnosing your problem, if there is one, much easier. You may be done at 1.020.