Expert: John Snyder - 2/7/2010

Question
I've been trying to brew using "Mr. Beer" products to first learn basics.  Once I mix the wort from the cans, add water and yeast to keg, how long will this mix be good to bottle if the temp is kept between say 65 and 75 degs F?  Once mixed  I figure from their book that about a month should be OK, but how much longer?  Is it different much between dark like porter to light colored varieties?  Is there a way to amateur taste it or use a hydrometer to test it?

Answer
If the above stated temperatures 65F to 75F are accurate,then the fermentation will be completed in 7 days.The balance of the month is for "aging" the beer,smoothing out the beer's flavor and aroma.Any excess of 30 days,can inhance the possibilities of having the beer flavor and aroma adversely affected.The ingredients in the cans of a beer kit,have already been brewed to produce a definite end product.The challenge is to reach that end point.One should taste the product at each step of the process.Tasting will aid in one's ability to taste changes that take place.A hydrometer must be used,to determine if the beer's end point has been reached.The first reading should take place,just prior to yeast addition.Readings can also be taken,at beginning,middle and end of fermentation,and as a finished beer.