Help? Another newbie question...can I delay bottling?

[JayM72]

Hi I'm brand new to home brewing and knocked up the following 3 kits (yes 3!) yesterday

> Brupaks Belgiam Xmas (to be bottled)
> St Peters Ruby Red (to be barreled)
> Brupaks Kirkburton (to be bottled)

I have a problem because I am scheduled to be away next weekend which obviously may correspond with the end of the first fermentation period. Obviously I don't want to end up in a situation where I have 3 flat beers at the end (especiallly with 50+ quids of beer kits!). So what do I do? Do I keep an eye on the gravities and if ready to bottle/barrel get up v early on Friday morning or risk leaving to Monday? If I could I would cancel my weekend!

Thanks for your help
Jason

[Swiller]

They will be fine left as I would say they may well not be finished by the time you return anyway, I have left mine an extra 4-5 days after reaching the end of the fermentation with no ill affects and I am sure some have left them longer.

[EoinMag]

I've left stuff in the fermenter for up to 5 weeks, the extra time will do the beer good, what's the hurry?

[Birdy]

Welcome to jims Jason

[JayM72]

Thanks guys...I was under the impression that if it was left too long then the yeast would be too tired and wouldn't provide a good second ferment once bottled/barreled??

[EoinMag]

Thanks guys...I was under the impression that if it was left too long then the yeast would be too tired and wouldn't provide a good second ferment once bottled/barreled??

Na, not a chance, you're talking major long time there, there will still be enough yeast in suspension to carbonate the beer even if it looks crystal clear.

[ahuckle]

I had the same problem ,things kept on getting in the way of bottling ,had to leave one batch in the FV for 3 weeks,when I bottled it was nice and clear,but was carbonating very slowly,so every few days managed to put half a dozen on the airing cupboard floor, did the trick,produced larger bubbles at first which reduced with time.

[JayM72]

Thanks again. Looks like I can have a lay in on Friday!

Has anyone here tried the St. Peters Kit?

[scottmoss]

Hi,

Yes I tried it at the homebrew shop opening day in farnborough and it was a really good pint!!

[JayM72]

Well I look forward to trying mine in a few weeks!