Stalled or Fermentation Done?

[dfborn]

Yes, I realized I am a paranoid first time home brewer who thinks that every little thing is a sign that my precious first batch is ruined.

Still, I have to ask. Im brewing Hank's Hefeweizen from a kit with White Labs yeast (wl300).

I pitched the yeast to a starter Friday afternoon, things took off well, smelled what I assume is normal (hint of bananas). Brewed late Saturday afternoon and had some solid continuous bubbling in the airlock within about 6 hours.

Yesterday morning I switched the airlock out for a blowoff tube because I read on here that blowoffs are a good idea for wl300 are hefes. It kept bubbling well until last night... No more bubbles. Does this mean my yeast stalled?

Thanks for any help...

 

[unionrdr]

No,it doesn't. It just means initial fermentation is over. It's slowing down for the long haul to FG. That can take another week or 2. RDWHAHB...

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

No. It's fine, leave it for a few weeks and then take a gravity reading

 

[Ace_Club]

+1

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

No,it doesn't. It just means initial fermentation is over. It's slowing down for the long haul to FG. That can take another week or 2. RDWHAHB...

Man, just beat me to it!!

 

[jaycount]

Airlock activity is not a good indicator of fermentation.

Wait at least 14 days then take a gravity reading, wait another 3 days then take another reading. If they are the same (and reasonably near your FG), you can bottle. Or wait another week or 2 and let it bulk condition more for an even better beer.

In the meantime, ignore it. The only reason I check on my fermenters at all is to make sure a blow-off/mess isn't unfolding.

 

[unionrdr]

Another reason our computer room is also my make shift man cave! I can talk with you folks,sniff my airlocks,listen to blow offs farting,airlocks bubbling,etc without getting up from my chair!

 

[nunyafnb]

Use a hydrometer. Only way to tell when fermentation is complete. Also the only way to calculate ABV to impress your friends!

 

[Shooter]

Use a hydrometer. Only way to tell when fermentation is complete.

The only way?!?!

Smashes refractometer on the ground...

"Useless piece of junk!!!!!"

 

[nunyafnb]

Always gotta be one person to take things super literally...

Correction for the peanut gallery: "Hydrometer is 'one of the easiest ways' to tell when your fermentation is complete."

Added bonus is that you can taste your beer sample after you test the gravity and see how it is progressing.

 

[Shooter]

Great, now I'm wishing I wasn't so hasty with that whole smashing thing!!