quick question: how long can beer be left in fermenter?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Hdredfern, Sep 20, 2013.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Hdredfern

    Hdredfern Initiate (0) Feb 16, 2012 Texas

    whats the longest you can leave a beer in the fermenter?
     
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Context please.
     
    JrGtr likes this.
  3. Hdredfern

    Hdredfern Initiate (0) Feb 16, 2012 Texas

    if you were making a stout how long is to long in the plastic fermenting bucket?
     
  4. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I probably wouldn't go beyond a couple of months. Noticeable yeast autolysis is typically a very low risk in a homebrew setting, but that depends on several factors. Personally, I wouldn't tempt fate. Also, plastic is somewhat permeable to O2, so risk of oxidation is another reason not to let it go too long.
     
    JrGtr likes this.
  5. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    I ferment exclusively in plastic buckets. I don't go beyond 4-6 weeks. I've never tried longer and never wanted to try longer. I've heard people say you're getting oxidation after a couple of weeks. I've never made a cardboard beer and can attest to a barleywine that I made about 18 months ago. I let it sit in the plastic fermenter for 5-6 weeks before bottling. It's still epically good.
     
  6. AlCaponeJunior

    AlCaponeJunior Grand Pooh-Bah (3,452) May 21, 2010 Texas
    Society Pooh-Bah

    I made a beer that was in the plastic bucket over five weeks and it came out fine. Normally tho my fermentation time is 2-3 weeks, then into bottles. Although I do have a glass carboy, I haven't done any extended aging on beers yet.
     
  7. Hdredfern

    Hdredfern Initiate (0) Feb 16, 2012 Texas

    I guess I'll try to bottle it tomorrow, I am a truck driver and have been gone so much I wasn't able to bottle a beer that was ready to bottle a month and a half ago
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.