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Beer/secondary?

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Expert: - 11/30/2004


Question
I currently have my wort fermenting in the primary bucket. When I transfer to the secondary for bottling, should I leave it in there for a day or two, or should I prime and bottle immediately? One person told me that leaving it in the secondary for a day befroe bottling will let more gunk settle out before bottling.What is your opinion?  

Answer
First if your way works for you then go for it.  I have fond with brewing and life that there is always more than one way to do things.

With that in mind I have always used a bucket for a primary and have left it in the primary for at least 4 days.  I have due to schedule conflicts left it as long as 10 days and have not seen a difference.  I then transfer mine to a glass carboyed  for at least 10 more days depending on the brew.  The longer you leave it the more sediment will fall out.  I have left it as long as 4 weeks for an Ale and 22 weeks for my Marzen Octoberfest (that is at 33 degrees).

In short I would let the secondary (glass or plastic) sit for 4 to 10 days.  This allows the gunk to settle.  I do not believe the flavor would be effected but the site and mouth feel is much better if you let it settle a second time.

I hope this has helped.  If not please let me know.  After all a brew is a terrible thing to waste.

Alan

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Alan Ward

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I am a home brewer who has been brewing since 2000. For us brewing is a family activity with everyone helping in some small way. We brew mostly all grain batches, but we do some kits. I have built all of our equipment. We bottle and keg. Drop us an line, we will be glad to assist with answer or help you find where the answer is. In October 2008 we opened the Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School at the Texas Renaisance Festival. This is a unique brewpub and teaching facility located on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, Texas. To our knowledge we are the only functioning brewpub located on the grounds of a renaissance festival brewing using both period specific equipment and modern equipment to brew hand crafted ale and then serving it back to the public. Where we offer hands on training and live period appropriate all grain brewing through out the day. Drop by and we will be glad to answer any question you have. You can checkout the brewery at www.brigadoonbrewery.com or follow on twitter@brewschool.

Experience

Home brewing since 2000. Started with a Mr. Beer kit and worked our way up to all grain.

Former chemistry and physics teacher.

Education:
Bachelors Arts Teaching; Master Instructional Technology
Currently the Managing Member and Brewmaster for Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School.

Organizations
Master Brewers Associaiton of America Texas Craft Brewers Guild American Home Brewers Association Brewers Association

Education/Credentials
Bachelors in Sports Medine from Sam Houston State University Masters in Instructional Technology from American Intercontinental University

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