Time between fermenting and bottling

[TheRookieBrewer]

Hey Guys,

I am going away in a few days and currently have a brew on that is taking longer to ferment than I had anticipated. If it is not ready to bottle before I leave, how long can I let it sit in the fermenter? Just trying to work out if it will be fine to be left while I am away or if I'm gonna need to get a mate to come around and bottle it for me while I'm gone. I've got it in my fermentation fridge so I can control the temperature while I'm away if that is going to make a difference.

 

[manticle]

How long are you away for? How far out from expected final gravity are you?

 

[Dunkelbrau]

Depending on the brew, I'm usually leaving it in the primary vessel for at least 3 weeks.

How long are you going for?

 

[TheRookieBrewer]

I'm gone for 3 weeks and the SG is not far from what I am expecting (only 3-4 points off at the moment)

 

[manticle]

Bu.p the temp up by 3 degrees, give the fermenter a gentle rock.
Just before you go test gravity and make sure it's where you expect and stable. It will likely be, so then drop the temp somewhere between 0 and 4 and it will be lovely and clear and ready to bottle when you get back.
Final gravity plus a few extra days at ferment temps helps produce good beer, cold conditioning helps even more.

3 weeks on the yast at ferment temps should generally be ok, depending on yeast health but if it's stable, cold is much better.

 

[BrosysBrews]

Don't stress as long as it is sealed from air it will be fine

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Yep, as long as its sealed up and the temp is good then it should be fine. Think of it as a big bottle without any carbonation.