So, I'm taking the plunge. Almost feels like being a brewing virgin all-over again. Add in a cherry or two and well . . . you get the picture.
Going to start with a lambic for my first attempt (60% pilsner/ 40% flaked wheat), 18IBU's. Plan on splitting a 10 gallon batch into two 6 gal plastic fermenters. I'll pitch Roselare blend into one, and lambic blend into the other. 6 months down the road I'll likely pitch cherries or rasberries.
I would like to do my longterm aging in a 5 gal better bottle in order to minimize (or control) O2 (considering an oak stave, but probably not - KISS). My plan is to start fermenting in a 6 gal bucket to keep krausen under control (5 gal BB is too small IME). Can I just let things ferment for 3-4 day until krausen has settled, and then rack to a BB? I might leave behind some trub, but most of the yeast and bugs should be in suspension. From reading lots of your posts it seems that leaving the beer it on the cake is fine (maybe even good), but I'd rather get my beer into something I trust for the long haul and that would require racking.
Likely overthinking things (know I am), but all thoughts comments would be appreciated.
Pete
Going to start with a lambic for my first attempt (60% pilsner/ 40% flaked wheat), 18IBU's. Plan on splitting a 10 gallon batch into two 6 gal plastic fermenters. I'll pitch Roselare blend into one, and lambic blend into the other. 6 months down the road I'll likely pitch cherries or rasberries.
I would like to do my longterm aging in a 5 gal better bottle in order to minimize (or control) O2 (considering an oak stave, but probably not - KISS). My plan is to start fermenting in a 6 gal bucket to keep krausen under control (5 gal BB is too small IME). Can I just let things ferment for 3-4 day until krausen has settled, and then rack to a BB? I might leave behind some trub, but most of the yeast and bugs should be in suspension. From reading lots of your posts it seems that leaving the beer it on the cake is fine (maybe even good), but I'd rather get my beer into something I trust for the long haul and that would require racking.
Likely overthinking things (know I am), but all thoughts comments would be appreciated.
Pete