I've had my first kit in the fermenter for 18 days (bulldog four finger jack) and the is still a head/crust on the top. Do I have to wait for it to drop or can I skim it off to start taking hydrometer readings to see if it's ready for me to add the hops (need to go in 2 days before bottling). I was planning to bottle this weekend.
Or do I need to be more patient? Or syphon off the beer from under the crust in to a 2nd fermenter and the add the hops in there before bottling? I do plan to bottle from a 2nd fermenter that has a little bottler attached.
Thanks for any help
Chris
Newb question - 18 day old ferment
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Ditch
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Re: Newb question - 18 day old ferment
What temperature's it been at, Chris? That'd be a useful bit of information for people 
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ChrisHughes
Re: Newb question - 18 day old ferment
Between 18 & 22 degrees. Tonight it's showing 19. Will take photos & post if I canDitch wrote:What temperature's it been at, Chris? That'd be a useful bit of information for people
If I have to wait another week before bottling I don't really mind tbh. It just needs to be ready for Xmas
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Ditch
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Re: Newb question - 18 day old ferment
Jesus f**king wept, Chris! That sh!t is Fermented! Just crack on, mate. Do what ever ye had planned for it
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ChrisHughes
Re: Newb question - 18 day old ferment
Heard others mention 21 days plus for these kits so was unsure. Hops in tomorrow, bottling while rugby is on the radio on Saturday thenDitch wrote:
Just crack on, mate. Do what ever ye had planned for it
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Caddarn
Re: Newb question - 18 day old ferment
I bottled this one 3 weeks ago... It was in the FV for 21 days. Just make sure you have the same hydrometer reading 3 days in a row then go for it.
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ChrisHughes
Re: Newb question - 18 day old ferment
Thanks for this. Bottled it yesterday & it's got a fruity ester type taste smell, I take it that this will die down in the bottle? It also finished at 5.5% which is higher than that printed on the pack but I did start off slightly short of 23lCaddarn wrote:I bottled this one 3 weeks ago... It was in the FV for 21 days. Just make sure you have the same hydrometer reading 3 days in a row then go for it.