How long can beer remain on the yeast?

[james1988]

Hello all,

I have a bit of a dilemma. I've recently moved from my home in Wales to live with my uncle in Fareham until I find a place of my own; the reason being is that I've just started work in Havant. I'd like to carry on brewing but I can't see him being impressed with bottles and equipment left about the place. For this reason I wish to brew at home in Wales until I find my own place. Onto the question...

I'm currently travelling home every 2 - 3 weeks however, this could change and become longer (maybe 4 - 5 weeks). How long can the yeast remain on the yeast cake without the beer going bad? I have the idea that I could brew one week and then leave it 2 - 3 weeks before bottling the next time I'm home.

Any advice would be appreciated.

James

 

[pittsy]

well 2 weeks is around enough time on yeast but some do 3 weeks not longer than that really unless you brew strong beers like above 6% . You could still do long brews just some may go bad or off but i'd bet most would be ok

 

[BrotherMalice]

The 2-3 weeks should be fine, my beers are always in the FV for 2 weeks without me even looking at them & then bottle or keg :)

Any more than that and I am not sure, I am sure someone with far more knowledge than me will be along to help you further soon :)

 

[graysalchemy]

I would agree with Pitsy you don't want to leave it two long especially at this time of year because of the risk of infection. I am fro 2 weeks from grain to bottle.

 

[adomant]

The main problem (for ale yeast) is that it starts to break down (autolyse) after 10 days or so. Quite often there are no discernable off flavours (depending on many factors). If it is a problem, you will know it by a marmite aftertaste to the beer.

 

[james1988]

It's looking more like brewing is going to be put on the back burner for a while until I get my own place if that is the case as I can't guarantee that I'll be home.

James

 

[Pearlfisher]

It's looking more like brewing is going to be put on the back burner for a while until I get my own place if that is the case as I can't guarantee that I'll be home.

James

Do you know anyone there who maybe willing to bottle it for you in return for a few samples?

 

[alanywiseman.]

Brew some wine :thumb:

Generally it take 3-4 weeks to ferment out. Sounds perfect to me.

 

[BarnsleyBrewer]

If you are leaving it for a few weeks use a screw top wine fermenter with an airlock.
I've left brews for around 3 weeks with no problems as long as you don't take a peek inside.

BB

 

[evanvine]

I'm with BB on this, I also use screwtop fermenters.
Not being a bottle fan I use KKs, sometimes a brew is in the fermenter for over 4 weeks waiting its turn for a keg.
Funny how bottles don't suffer, they are often on the yeast for over a year!

 

[calumscott]

FWIW my standard kit brews are 14 days from pitching to bottling, all in the same FV.

If I'm dry hopping it's 7 days, rack, dry hop, then two weeks, then bottle.

Seems to work just fine, gives plenty of time for the yeast to do their work and clean up and doesn't "feel" like too long.

 

[james1988]

I'm with BB on this, I also use screwtop fermenters.
Not being a bottle fan I use KKs, sometimes a brew is in the fermenter for over 4 weeks waiting its turn for a keg.
Funny how bottles don't suffer, they are often on the yeast for over a year!

That's a really good point. Are bottles completely air tight?

Would I still be able to prime the beer in the bottles after leaving the beer a few weeks? I have a wine fermenter at my disposal so I'll give it a go with a cheap brew. Maybe an inexpensive stout or similar.

Would Vaseline around the threads on the cap help?

James

Edit
Evanvine: Does it remain on the yeast or do you rack it off?

 

[graysalchemy]

I don't think being on the yeast itself is a problem it is being in an FV for that length of time especially a dirty on to me would be the worry with the risk of infection. When I have had beer going off it has been because it was left sitting in an FV for 3-4 weeks.

 

[james1988]

I don't think being on the yeast itself is a problem it is being in an FV for that length of time especially a dirty on to me would be the worry with the risk of infection. When I have had beer going off it has been because it was left sitting in an FV for 3-4 weeks.

Hmm it's the risk of infection that is bothering me the most at the moment. Knowing how experienced you are at AG brewing (and obviously extremely clean) it's bothering me even more so. I'm torn between throwing caution (and money!) to the wind and hoping for the best or sitting down and sulking because I can't brew.

James

 

[Buzzing]

I did 2 weeks with kits and extract brews.

3 weeks seems better for my AG, done in a BIAG style.

Max I've gone was 4 weeks with absolutely no problematic effects at all. A little slow on the carbonation afterwards though.


If the FV's been sanitized well, and one have not broken the seal to peek, I would say up to 4 weeks should not give you any problems, but wouldn't push for 5 weeks, purely for needing enough viable yeast to carbonate.

 

[shearclass]

but wouldn't push for 5 weeks, purely for needing enough viable yeast to carbonate.

Not really an issue, I have had lagers brewing for 2 - 3 weeks, the nracked off and 'lagered' for a month, and then bottled, and they carb up fine.

 

[jonnymorris]

If it is a problem, you will know it by a marmite aftertaste to the beer.

Hmmm, Marmite beer. Sounds good.

I leave mine for 3 weeks with no issues. No fiddling though.