Second Fermentation
This process of second fermentation is not one that needs to be done, though it does help in the final product, your beer. The process of second fermentation will take approx. 5-7 days though can take longer or shorter depending on the type of beer and yeast. If you do not wish to do a second fermentation than go to bottling and sugars. If you are interested in second fermentation then you will need a couple of items, a racking hose and another fermenter. All that you are doing in second fermentation is taking the "beer" off the packed yeast at the bottom of the fermenter. By moving the beer from one fermenter to another, you will get the yeast to start fermenting all that sugar that will still be in the beer. Like I said this process is not that important, though if you are trying to make a great beer then I would recommend it. By doing so you will reduce over carbonization of the beer and it will have a little bit better flavor because it will have Fully fermented.
Ok here is the process, it's an easy one. From one fermenter to another transfer your beer, making sure that you leave that bottom yeast where it belongs, at the bottom. Also make sure that you do not aerate the beer. So run the tubing down the wall of the fermenter like you did in the original fermentation. After you have transferred all the beer to another fermenter DO NOT fill it with water. By doing so you will throw off the S.G. and you may introduce some bacteria to the fermenter. So after you transfer the beer, just cover and add the water lock. Then just place your fermenter in a corner and let it sit through a brief, but important ferment. It should take a couple of days, though it can be done in as few as 24 hours.
When you fermenter has stopped fermenting, let it sit about 2-3 days to make sure that the fermentation has stoped. After that point you are ready to bottle. Which means that we are now so close to the best part of homebrewing, the taste test...
