Expert: John Snyder - 1/19/2006

Question
I recently brewed my first batch of light Ale beer. It has been 4 days and the bubbling during the fermenting process had slowed down significantly. The first and Second day it was bubbling like crazy! Is this normal? or Should I be concerned that the yeast may have died?

Answer
From your description,i would say that the fermentation is normal.

Here is a thumb nail series of events that take place during Ale Fermentation:

1-first visible signs of fermentation is the appearance of fine bubbles on the wort surface at the sides of the fermenter.
2-the bubbles gradually spread,until the surface of the wort is completely covered.
3-after about 18hrs,the bubbles thicken and their color changes to light brown as the cold break rises to the surface of the wort.At the same time the specific gravity starts to fall as does the Ph,with a subsequent rise in temperature and yeast count
4-maximum fermentation is reached(usually after 36-48hrs)
5-yeast surface is covered with a white foam constantly moving, as the carbon dioxide rise to the surface
6- gradually the yeast activity slows,and the carbon dioxide production stops.

So again i would say,based on your statement, that your first batch followed the normal pattern

good luck in finishing off your process

                  John