hello,
i've just bought my first kit and wondered how long it should take for fermenting to start and what should i expect to see when it does?
cheers.
first time brewer
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Barm
Re: first time brewer
Hi -
and welcome to a very rewarding hobby *hic*
It depends on a few factors - but certainly within 24 hours it should be extremely obvious that fermentation is under way, as there'll be a thick (up to about 4 inches!) and slightly frightening foamy head on your brew!
After a few days the foam will die back, and fermentation then proceeds at a rather slower pace for another week or so.
Some good pictures here, courtesy of Jim: http://www.jimsbeerkit.co.uk/kits.htm
Have fun!
and welcome to a very rewarding hobby *hic*
It depends on a few factors - but certainly within 24 hours it should be extremely obvious that fermentation is under way, as there'll be a thick (up to about 4 inches!) and slightly frightening foamy head on your brew!
After a few days the foam will die back, and fermentation then proceeds at a rather slower pace for another week or so.
Some good pictures here, courtesy of Jim: http://www.jimsbeerkit.co.uk/kits.htm
Have fun!
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bru
Re: first time brewer
thanks for that, i should have read it before i posted!
i bought a brupak kit and followed the instructions exactly. fermentation has defiantly not started, it's all 'flat' like a flat pint.
temperature in the room is bang on 18c, temperature of the brew is 21, it was 24 when i added the yeast.
the only thing i can think i cocked up on was not putting enough air into it (although there was a ton of foam on the top when i'd finished).
any suggestions to give it a kick to get it going?
i bought a brupak kit and followed the instructions exactly. fermentation has defiantly not started, it's all 'flat' like a flat pint.
temperature in the room is bang on 18c, temperature of the brew is 21, it was 24 when i added the yeast.
the only thing i can think i cocked up on was not putting enough air into it (although there was a ton of foam on the top when i'd finished).
any suggestions to give it a kick to get it going?
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pas8280
- Lost in an Alcoholic Haze
- Posts: 735
- Joined: Sun Jul 12, 2009 6:05 pm
- Location: Hindley Green near Wigan but far enough away for it to count :)
Re: first time brewer
Hi BRU just put my own first brupak on (been doing TC and wine up till now) Been worried about the temp that might be the problem it might need a little more warmth i put a heater tray under mine and wrapped blankets around (litterally just finished) will let you know how it goes meanwhile i am sure far more knowledgeable folk will be along shortly to advise you
The Hollyhop Brewery 100 litre stainless
A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her - W.C. Fields
Reality is an illusion caused by lack of alcohol - anon
A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her - W.C. Fields
Reality is an illusion caused by lack of alcohol - anon
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haZe
Re: first time brewer
Nah, leave it 'til tomorrow afternoon at least - should be going by then.
My 3rd has been my quickest starter so far, took around 8
My 3rd has been my quickest starter so far, took around 8
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Jerry Cornelius
Re: first time brewer
As hazw says, after 5 hrs I wouldn't worry. Wait till tomorrow and have a look, it'll have started by then.
Just relax, all will be fine.
Just relax, all will be fine.
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bru
Re: first time brewer
yes! about an inch of foam and plenty of bubbles in the airlock. thank you.
the yeast that gets caught in the foam at the top, is it worth trying to get that back into the brew?
the yeast that gets caught in the foam at the top, is it worth trying to get that back into the brew?
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haZe
Re: first time brewer
Excellent
Personally I wouldn't bother trying to stir anything back in - you're probably risking infection by messing with it, so I'd leave well alone for a few days until the foam subsides. Then drop the hydrometer in.
Personally I wouldn't bother trying to stir anything back in - you're probably risking infection by messing with it, so I'd leave well alone for a few days until the foam subsides. Then drop the hydrometer in.
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pas8280
- Lost in an Alcoholic Haze
- Posts: 735
- Joined: Sun Jul 12, 2009 6:05 pm
- Location: Hindley Green near Wigan but far enough away for it to count :)
Re: first time brewer
mines away as well bru i didnt use an air lock just tied a tea towel over the top,i somehow inherited 3 hydrometers but was going to tap some beer off into a tall this vase (missus hasnt noticed it missing) to check gravity is it better to stick it in the fv ?
The Hollyhop Brewery 100 litre stainless
A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her - W.C. Fields
Reality is an illusion caused by lack of alcohol - anon
A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her - W.C. Fields
Reality is an illusion caused by lack of alcohol - anon
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chris_reboot
Re: first time brewer
some drain off (great if there's a tap on the FV) and put into a trial jar to check with a hydrometer - then drink the rest! 
me - I don't like wastage(!) so I drop a sterlised hydrometer into the FV after about 5 days and just read off from there by a sneak peek under the lid daily.
me - I don't like wastage(!) so I drop a sterlised hydrometer into the FV after about 5 days and just read off from there by a sneak peek under the lid daily.