Visual Cues that a Beer has Finished Fermenting??
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:34 am
by Kazi the Younger
Aside from taking gravity readings, is it safe to go by any visual cues that a beer could be finished fermenting?
Is a beer basically completely done fermenting when all krausen has fallen from the top of the wort and the beer is basically clear on top?
Re: Visual Cues that a Beer has Finished Fermenting??
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:45 am
by Nate Diggler
The visual cues let you know when your yeast has quit... not necessarily when your fermentation is "done"... so definitely take gravity readings.
Re: Visual Cues that a Beer has Finished Fermenting??
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:48 am
by Swamp Yankee
I'm not an expert but I have a braggot fermenting right now and it's fairly clear on the top with a 1/2 layer of krausen on the bottom and it's still steadily bubbling, and it'been in the primary for 11 days now. So I'd have to say no to your question. I'm sure there are many other reasons why as well. Just my half a nickel input.
Swampuh love beer
Re: Visual Cues that a Beer has Finished Fermenting??
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:49 am
by TapItGood
A great visual of the finished beer is the taste! If it tastes finished it should look ready...
Re: Visual Cues that a Beer has Finished Fermenting??
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:12 pm
by Brew Engineer
TapItGood wrote:A great visual of the finished beer is the taste! If it tastes finished it should look ready...
Um... yeah.
I was going to say that the best "Visual" indicator is when you see the reading on your hydrometer, or refractometer...
Re: Visual Cues that a Beer has Finished Fermenting??
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:21 pm
by Bugeater
After the pelicle forms and then drops, it is ready to bottle. At least that works for lambics. For anything else, use a hydrometer.
Wayne
Re: Visual Cues that a Beer has Finished Fermenting??
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:26 pm
by Steelers&Beer
if you see me drinking the beer, it's done fermenting
everyone else thought the same smartass comment....
+1 to the hydrometer reading
Re: Visual Cues that a Beer has Finished Fermenting??
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 5:07 pm
by TampaBrew
I have had beers drop multiple points while it looked "done" ... take gravity readings.