2nd fermentation

rocker69

Hi
Just about ready to transfer my beer from vessel to barrel and would like to know how long I should leave the barrel in a warm place before I move to a cooler place.
My woodfordes kit says leave in a warm place for 2 days but I've read a few members comments saying its best to leave it in a warm place for about a week before moving to a cooler place.
Would just like to know which option will help my beer turn out best.

thanks!!

HBO_Staff

The idea of the warmer place for the first few days is to help get the secondary fermentation going, this is when the priming sugar dissolves and ferments, which then creates pressure and carbonation within the barrel or bottles. The warmer temperature ensures it dissolves quickly and helps reduce the waiting time. If using PET plastic bottles then you can tell how it is going because the bottles will begin to feel hard to the touch. There is no exact right amount of time, but a week usually ensures it is off to a good start, then moving somewhere a few degrees cooler can help it to clear. The longer you leave it in the barrel or bottles, the better it will taste as the flavours improve and it conditions

rocker69

Thanks for your very quick reply
I think i'll leave the barrel in a warm place for about a week

mozza

I tend to work on how long the primary fermentation took. If it took 12 days for example I leave mine for the same amount of time as this is a good indication of how active and fast your yeast ferments. Just a theory though

marko

@mozza I like that theory. Think I'll do the same in future.

davemorton

I like this Mozza!!! Going to try the same in the future me thinks ;-)