what if i bottle to early?

[al0311]

So I figured today I would bottle its been in fermented for 2 1/2 weeks. while I have been santaizing my bottles I saw a bubble come out of the airlock. So I decided that I maybe shouldn't bottle or should i? any help I would greatly appericiate thanks.

 

[BeerDoctor5]

The only way to tell if the yeast are done fermenting is to take consecutive gravity readings over 2-4 days. I recommend taking a gravity reading today and then another on Friday. If it is the same on Friday as it was today then you should be fine to bottle.

 

[Tall_Yotie]

Greetings!

As you may have read, the airlock is NOT a good indicator for fermentation activity. If the carboy warmed up, got shaken, etc. then bubbles could happen due to pressure difference.

Use a hydrometer. That is really the answer, and the answer to many beginning questions. If the FG is steady across a couple days then it is done fermenting.

At 2 1/2 weeks a standard beer should be done fermenting, but is still always good to check. If it is still indeed fermenting and you bottle too early, then you risk over-carbing the beer (and in extreme cases, exploding bottles).

 

[Face Eater]

Gravity readings like beer has posted and the bubble can be from temperature change. Gravity readings are the only way to know when the beer is done fermenting and it is safe to bottle.

 

[keller2343]

You should get a hydrometer and get some gravity readings. General rule is three days with a consistent final gravity and you can safely bottle most beers. Watching for bubbles in the airlock is not a good indicator of whether the yeast is done or not.

 

[TyTanium]

Two and half weeks is generally more than enough time. 99% sure you're just fine.

 

[Andy101]

I am also new to home-brew making.
But i would do a gravity test before i bottled.
Im on my second batch of beer now and did not bottle until the fg had come down as close to 0 as i could get it. when i say 0 i mean 1-000 on the gravity tester.
My first batch fg set to 1-004 after a few days it did not drop anymore so i bottled it.
My second batch has been fermenting now for a week so im leaving this another week and start testing the gravity.
Also i hear it depends on what beer you brewing as some have more fermenting time than others.
But with the gravity test you can not go wrong..
I hope im right but if not someone with more experience will post.

 

[al0311]

Thanks guys yeah ill just wait a few more days. I have a hydrometer so I will go aheaddo a couple readings over the next couple of days. Thanks all. Cheers.