time between fermenting and bottling

[Jfuller]

Newbie here and I had a quick question. We have the first batch fermenting and according to what I have read, I should bottle it after a week. My question is, can I bottle it after two weeks? The timing is not working out.

Thanks!

[Steve-O]

Two weeks will be fine. Any longer than 2 or 3 weeks and you could have a problem depending on temperature. I always go 3 or 4 weeks, but I do have temperature control.

[brandonlovesbeer]

I've never had a problem with leaving it in the fermenter for an extended period. Typically what I do, depending on certain variables, 1-2 weeks in the primary fermenter. 2 weeks in the secondary, then I bottle. I brewed one beer that fermented for 8 straight days then finally began to settle.

Basic Brewing/BYO magazine did a collaborative experiment to see if extended time on the yeast cake and trube had any ill effects.

Nominal differences were detected across the board. The only problem you may run into is too much yeast flocculates out and there's not enough to bottle carbonate. But this is rarely a problem. I've left my wort in the primary for a month, once, and it ended up being an awesome beer.

Personally, I think that you may have problems if you bottle after only one week. 2 words "Bottle" "Bombs". If the fermentation is not complete or if the yeast hasn't settled out enough. This will happen.

I'd say, if you are really not sure. A safe number is 2 weeks then bottle.

My friend bottled once after a week and it sounded like the 4th of July in the bathroom.
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Haven't brewed anything lately but I taught a new homebrewer the basics a few weeks back and brewed an IPA.