First Timer - Primary Fermentation - sg?

[mattw]

Got the kit as a Christmas present and working on my first batch...in primary fermentation...followed directions to a tee including cleaning and sanitizing...in 4th day of primary fermentation and sg is hovering just over 1.000...doesn't seem right...need help? Do I just need more time or am I close to pitching my first batch? (I hope it's the former)
Any advice is welcomed.

 

[Goodfella]

Welcome to the forum


You are OK. 1.000 is almost there. Make sure your temp. is good. (70-75)


Maybe give it a quick stir... its going to be fine.


What is the kit?

 

[mattw]

Thank you so much!


Merlot - Mosti Mondiale...so do I go ahead and rack or do I need to wait?

 

[Goodfella]

Have you done the first racking yet? Mosti usually says to do it at 1.040...






Is it in glass?

 

[mattw]

No...I have not done the first racking...directions say between 1.040 and 1.050, but also 2-4 days...so I was getting a little nervous.


Still in the primary fermentation plastic bucket.


Thank you!

 

[Goodfella]

OK. Go ahead and rack it to glass carboy. You can let it splash and get some air in it. that will help finish the fermentaion. Go by SG reading (not days). That is a fast fermentation to get to 1.000 in 4 days. Give it a few days in glass to finish out.

 

[Goodfella]

Was it bubbling away pretty hard for the last 4 days?

 

[vcasey]

mattw, you'll find some kits just ferment faster and some slower. The SG is always your best guide to determine when you go to the next step. Also for your peace of mind these kits are pretty forgiving and really hard to mess up and if you do ever have a problem contact the sellar they may be able to guide through and help save your batch, or you can just ask on this forum most of us are pretty friendly and have made a batch or 2 and should be able to help you out.
By the way - Welcome to the forum.
VC

 

[Bert]

Welcome Matt....Follow Goodfella's advice and rack to glass... if in doubt, ask away there is lots of help here....Good luck and have fun...

 

[Runningwolf]

Welcome Matt, pretty awesome forum when you can ask a question on a Saturday evening when your stuck and can get all these responses! Great group of folks here.

 

[hartm]

Welcome Matt,


I just did this same kit a few months ago. I purposefully left it in the primary until the fermentation was completed. I racked to glass and then added the oak chips for a few weeks.


These kits are forgiving and I'm sure your will be just fine. If you find in the end you wanted more oak, just keep that in mind for the next batch.


This forum is a great place to get advice, so keep the questions coming.


Good Luck!

 

[grapeman]

Welcome to the forum. It's great having you here. One thing is constant with kits- they never proceed exactly the same. Some ferment fast, some slow, some bubbly, some not. Just follow that hydrometer and you will be fine. If you only have one hydrometer, get another. They always comit suicide when you only have one.