Day 11 and still bubbling through airlock

[Bromley Brewery]

My Wherry is in the bin, still bubbling merrily on day 11, a minute between each burp through the airlock (started going like a train 12 hours after putting in the yeast on 02/08/2008).

Presumably I don't want to measure specific gravity until this phase is over - I don't want to open the lid too much for fear of unnecessary chances of germs.

How long is safe ?

[Jim]

I would check the gravity now. The bubbles coming through may just be dissolved CO2 gradually coming out of solution.

[Bromley Brewery]

Thanks for the quick reply - that's exactly the sort of thing I wouldn't have thought of - I will be twirling my hydrometer tonight as soon as I get home.

[maxashton]

If you have a tap on your fermenter, do the sample in there, then drink it.
This way you don't have to bother sanitizing your hydro or risk contaminating the beer.