How long to leave in fv?

matt78 · Feb 26, 2015

Hi still new to to home brewing. I started off a kit cider 9 days ago and its down a gravity of 1006
I was wondering how long i can leave a brew in the fermenting bucket before bottling as I really wanted to bottle next friday (day 17). If left in the bucket too long am i going to start to pick up some off flavours? Should i be aiming at bottling as soon as i get 2 days of the same readings on the hydrometer?
thanks for any thoughts folks.

dad_of_jon · Feb 26, 2015

I am only a beginner myself, but leaving a brew in a FV for a couple of extra days than planned has caused my brews no harm at all. In fact, a few extra days has helped the overall taste & appearance experience of all my brews:

: cheers:

stesmi · Feb 26, 2015

I often leave my brew in the fv for 3 weeks to a month. No harm done.

Malkin71 · Feb 26, 2015

2 ways they claim.

Once the gravity is steady for 4 days straight with no change.

Or

Min of two weeks, it's thought that even with a steady reading that there could still be action in the bucket ect. I'd give it 2-3 weeks.

matt78 · Feb 26, 2015

Thanks for the thoughts folks. Going to leave it for a week and see how the gravity is then. I thought all would be fine just didnt want to risk picking up any off flavour, but am going to assume that it will only get better! I did taste the trail jar today and its tasting good already.

Streambrewer · Feb 28, 2015

Matt, no need to worry. Ciders are often more forgiving than beer, and I have never had a problem leaving beers in primary for up to three months.

I generally leave a cider on the yeast for a couple months and then to secondary for a few more.

The only reason not to would be to attempt to stop fermentation at a certain level of sweetness. This is of course entirely dependent upon ingredients and conditions.

Good luck, and don't worry!

Matt

matt78 · Feb 28, 2015

Streambrewer said:
Matt, no need to worry. Ciders are often more forgiving than beer, and I have never had a problem leaving beers in primary for up to three months.

I generally leave a cider on the yeast for a couple months and then to secondary for a few more.

The only reason not to would be to attempt to stop fermentation at a certain level of sweetness. This is of course entirely dependent upon ingredients and conditions.

Good luck, and don't worry!

Matt

Thanks for the reassurance Matt. I had it in my head that once fermentation had slowed right down the rush was on to get bottling.

I have brewed a pear cider from kit and that turned out bloody brilliant so i have high hopes for this one!
this is only my 3rd brew in total, my first being a ale so all comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated!
think im going to bottle friday. Many thanks

Scaff · Feb 28, 2015

I leVe my brews for 3 weeks in the FV.

Then rack off to a clean vessel for 2 weeks.

Then bottle or pressure barrel.

Scaff

How long to leave in fv?

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