First brew mistake

nigel6 · Dec 22, 2012

I have recently got back into brewing and currently have a home made cider in first stage. It has been in first stage fermentation for the past 8 days and has slowed down considerably but is clearly still going.

I am now off to Birmingham for 6 days over Christmas and I am sure that the brew will finish primary while we are away. Can anyone advise how long the brew will last before going off as I will not be able to bottle until we return after Boxing day. Have I dropped a clanger here?

thanks

jonewer · Dec 22, 2012

Relax, it will be fine :thumb:

artyb · Dec 22, 2012

i always leave stuff fermenting for 3 weeks... :thumb:

fermentall · Dec 22, 2012

2-3 weeks is normal for me also, don't fret it will be ok.

nigel6 · Jan 12, 2013

Thanks everyone. I got back and managed to rack it off into another dj and then bottled it the next day. I tested a small amount just to check that it was not horrid and it was actually quite ok. I have had the bottles standing in the lounge for the past week and will be putting them away to mature in the garage tomorrow.

kev · Jan 12, 2013

I think people need to calm down RE: fermenting times, etc.

If your FV is clean and sterile then your beer will be fine as there's a layer of C02 on top. Have a look online as there's a diary of a guy in the army that forgot to move his beer from primary before going to Afganastan for 6 months. Guess what.......the beer tasted good.

3 weeks in primary is no problem at all.

K

nigel6 · Jan 22, 2013

Tried one bottle of this brew today and its turned out well. there is still a slight hint of yeast so I think it could do with another month standing. It has carbonated quite well for its age and while it is quite dry and strong there is a subtle taste of apple which is fine for me as I like a dry cider. I will give them another month to mature further and then try another bottle but I'm quite pleased with my early attempts so far.