First Fermentation

Boundaryman

If a kit says ferment for 4 to 8days and hydometer says all is well to bottle or transfer to a keg,How many days can the brew be safely left after this point  before bottling is actually done.?

HBO_Staff

Once a brew has finished fermenting it should be transferred as soon as possible, this is because the dead yeast in the bottom of the vessel could in theory affect the taste. In practice, plenty of people have left brews in there for much longer (including us) for various reasons, forgetting, being on holiday, etc, and the brews have turned out fine. You certainly don't need to worry about a few days, the brew will continue to settle and this helps to leave more sediment behind for a clearer finished brew. Extended periods of leaving it in there should be avoided as it is pointless to risk affecting the taste, a day or two is nothing to worry about, especially if leaving it to be sure it has finished fermenting before bottling, as it must be finished to make sure too much pressure does not build up in sealed bottles