Beer too warm at fermenting stage

MAGNET50

I have just brewed Woodfordes Sundew on Sunday 22nd and managed to get temperature down to 21 deg before adding yeast. But since then temperature has varied up to 25 deg. Today thurs 25th there is no sign of any wort around top of FV and beer looks flat, ie no sign of any bubbles.... does this mean it hasnt fermented or is it ready to be bottled?

HBO_Staff

Hi Magnet50, when the temperature is on the warm side it can mean the fermentation time is reduced and can be faster than normal, although too hot and it can harm the yeast. The only true way to know is to take a hydrometer reading if that is possible, some brews ferment with little or no signs of activity due to factors such as temperature and the yeast etc, so the hydrometer reading is the best way to be sure - you don't want to bottle before it has finished fermenting or too much pressure may build up in the bottles

MAGNET50

Hi, SG is 1014, but i only made 21 litres instead of 23 litres as instructions.

HBO_Staff

1.014 is nice and low, and as all signs of fermentation have stopped too it can now be bottled - just prime each bottle with sugar or carbonation drops and leave to develop some flavour