Fermentation Notes (pale ale)

Initial Spec Gravity: 1.052

Fermentation temp: ~ 64F ambient room temp

Day 1:

Things of note: This fermentation really took off faster than the last one. I'm chalking it up both using dry yeast, using yeast that I know were very viable (unlike last time where I was using a barely inflated activator smack pack of liquid), and using alot of them (11 grams). Fermentation was evident in 4 hours (maybe earlier, that is just when I checked).

Also of note: This time the air lock is bubbling away, unlike my previous brew. This is either due to a more vigorous fermentation that creates enough pressure in the air lock even with a leaky lid or for some reason, my lid just sealed better this time, less vodka in the airlock (or a combination of these). Who knows.... and while I really don't care because I ended up with happy fermented beer last time, it is fun to watch that little bastard bubble.

I'm thinking this fermentation will complete very quickly. Regardless, I still plan to leave it in the fermentor at least 2 weeks to let it condition as I am not doing (and don't have a carboy yet anyway) a seperate secondary. I will probably upgrade and try my hand at a secondary in a 5 gallon carboy with my next brew, a ghetto oatmeal stout (not mashing the oatmeal, just steeping).

Day 2:

Most vigorous fermentation going on. Bubbles every second or two. Amount of vodka in airlock makes a big difference if bubbles are seen or not.

Day 3:

Primary seems to be winding down based up glancing at the airlock. This seems to be a much faster primary fermentation than last time. I will let it sit for 2-3 weeks and then bottle. I think I will put my next brew into a carboy for secondary.

Day 4:

Primary fermentation seems near complete. Hydrometer readings:

spec gravity: 1.014

That indicates about 73% attenuation. It tasted like beer. Hooray. I will let it set another 1.5 to 2 weeks to condition and ferment down any further if it wants too.