How long is too long??

[diarmaid_h]

Hi Guys,

Few weeks back I posted up about getting bottles to finish off my second every brew, an irish stout from coopers. Due to being very busy at the time I never got the chance to pick up the bottles or bottle my brew so the beer has been sitting in the primary fermentation bucket under airlock for about 4 weeks.

Have I ruined this beer or will it be ok to bottle it? I was told it should be ok by a friend but I haven't a notion!!

[DEMPSEY]

Taste it and see. I did this before and went for weeks,it was fine. Remember as long as you did not let air in to the vessel and you kept it in a stable temperature place it can last for a good while. Too much yeast lying in the bottom of the vessel can cause off flavours so that is the major worry. TASTE IT.

[diarmaid_h]

Ok sounds good, I'll give it a taste at lunch and see how she's looking

[Garry]

I think 6 to 7 weeks in the primary is when you start running the risk of getting off-flavors.

[LordEoin]

Yeah, you should be fine at 4 weeks. It probably just gave the yeast plenty of time to clean up after itself.
Pour a glass, smell it, taste it, bottle it

[RichC]

Ive done 4 weeks on loads of occasions without problems, and on occasion longer