Hi all,
I've just Laid down a wheat beer a few days ago which is just my second time brewing so still new at this.
My question is, as I have not got into the science yet of using a hyrdometer......
How long should I leave in the fermenter before bottling ?
You hear people say leave it for around 2 weeks, the Coopers kit instructions I used though says it only requires 4-6 days if you have the temperature between 21-27 degrees. I have it at 20-22 degrees.
If all bubbling does stop and it has really finished fermenting after say 1 week - am I best to bottle then or leave it in the wort for the extra week to satisfy the 2 weeks ?
thanks.....
Fermenting wheat beer
Re: Fermenting wheat beer
Hi Scott,
There isn't much science involved - leave the brew a week and then take 2 readings with the hydrometer a day apart. If they're both the same, you're ready to bottle.
I don't generally use one; I leave most of my brews for 2 weeks then rack or cold condition.
I'd leave it for 2 weeks at 20-22 then bottle. If you have the space, you could also throw the (full) fermenter in the fridge and leave it there at 5deg or so for another week. This will help clear the beer and leave you less sediment in the bottles.
Cheers,
Tim
There isn't much science involved - leave the brew a week and then take 2 readings with the hydrometer a day apart. If they're both the same, you're ready to bottle.
I don't generally use one; I leave most of my brews for 2 weeks then rack or cold condition.
I'd leave it for 2 weeks at 20-22 then bottle. If you have the space, you could also throw the (full) fermenter in the fridge and leave it there at 5deg or so for another week. This will help clear the beer and leave you less sediment in the bottles.
Cheers,
Tim
Re: Fermenting wheat beer
Yeah, what Timmy said is good advice.
The reason Coopers say it will be done in 4 to 6 days is that at up to 27ºC it will be done in that time. It also almost guarantees fermentation will take off, and won't get stuck or not start. Less complaints that way from customers telling them they've been sold a dud, and no HB shops sending kits etc back to Coopers.
Unfortunately, although their usual instructions will make beer, they are NOT the way to make good beer.
You can make good beer from kits, and I suggest you have a read through the stickies on this forum on the basics of homebrewing. If you adhere to those, you'll make a reasonable beer.
The reason Coopers say it will be done in 4 to 6 days is that at up to 27ºC it will be done in that time. It also almost guarantees fermentation will take off, and won't get stuck or not start. Less complaints that way from customers telling them they've been sold a dud, and no HB shops sending kits etc back to Coopers.
Unfortunately, although their usual instructions will make beer, they are NOT the way to make good beer.
You can make good beer from kits, and I suggest you have a read through the stickies on this forum on the basics of homebrewing. If you adhere to those, you'll make a reasonable beer.
Re: Fermenting wheat beer
Good on ya Tim
Being patient sounds like the way to go.
Thanks for the reply and advice.
Being patient sounds like the way to go.
Thanks for the reply and advice.
Re: Fermenting wheat beer
Hi Scott & All,
I am also wishing to do a wheat beer for my next batch, however, I am considering buying a lager yeast rather than the yeast supplied with the kit (this would be my 3rd batch ever). As such I have three questions:
1. would the experts in on this forum recommend using the lager yeast instead of the kit yeast, and
2. as such, what is the lowest temperature that the yeast will ferment (my fermenter is in an old fridge, which I can switch on and set it at 8 degrees (highest temp possible).
3. what sugars/malts would be recommended? I am considering using a 1kg brew enhancer 2, and 500g LDME.
Thanks in advance.
Sam
PS appologies for the slight thread-hijack.
I am also wishing to do a wheat beer for my next batch, however, I am considering buying a lager yeast rather than the yeast supplied with the kit (this would be my 3rd batch ever). As such I have three questions:
1. would the experts in on this forum recommend using the lager yeast instead of the kit yeast, and
2. as such, what is the lowest temperature that the yeast will ferment (my fermenter is in an old fridge, which I can switch on and set it at 8 degrees (highest temp possible).
3. what sugars/malts would be recommended? I am considering using a 1kg brew enhancer 2, and 500g LDME.
Thanks in advance.
Sam
PS appologies for the slight thread-hijack.
Re: Fermenting wheat beer
Hi Sam,
I've never tried a lager yeast for wheats, mainly because I haven't liked the only commercial available one (Redback Cristal). But the principle should be the same as a normal lager - ferment at 10-12 deg until done (a month or so) and then rack/CC if you want. Lager yeasts will go lower but not sure as it depends on the strain you're using.
With regard to the malt additions, I'd use a 1.5kg tin of Coopers Wheat Malt (50/50 wheat and barley) instead of the BE2 & LDME.
Cheers,
Tim
I've never tried a lager yeast for wheats, mainly because I haven't liked the only commercial available one (Redback Cristal). But the principle should be the same as a normal lager - ferment at 10-12 deg until done (a month or so) and then rack/CC if you want. Lager yeasts will go lower but not sure as it depends on the strain you're using.
With regard to the malt additions, I'd use a 1.5kg tin of Coopers Wheat Malt (50/50 wheat and barley) instead of the BE2 & LDME.
Cheers,
Tim
Re: Fermenting wheat beer
Using a lager yeast to ferment a wheat beer will give you a Cristal or "clear" wheat beer. This will also mean you will not get any of the classic esters that really make up a great deal of that sought after character in the style. Admittedly you will not get this with the kit yeast either.
Last I heard we were still able to link suppliers so here goes:
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=1120
For a great dry wheat yeast.
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=1637
Liquid (phenolic... mmmmm)
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=1640
Liquid (bubblegum)
Last I heard we were still able to link suppliers so here goes:
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=1120
For a great dry wheat yeast.
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=1637
Liquid (phenolic... mmmmm)
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=1640
Liquid (bubblegum)
Re: Fermenting wheat beer
Slightly OT, but does anyone know what yeast is used in the Bavarian Wheat made by the Beechworth Brewery (I think it's called Bridge Rd Brewery)?
Re: Fermenting wheat beer
Call and asktimmy wrote:Slightly OT, but does anyone know what yeast is used in the Bavarian Wheat made by the Beechworth Brewery (I think it's called Bridge Rd Brewery)?
