How Long Does It Take to Brew Beer From Start to Finish?
Generally speaking, it takes 2 1/2 to 8 weeks to get from ingredients to finished, ready-to-drink beer, with a 3-4 week timeline being the most common. Many factors affect the overall brewing timeline, which is why there is such a range. The three main factors that will affect your brew time are:
- Beer Style – Ale vs lagers?
- Brewing Equipment – Commercial or homebrew methods? Bottling or kegging?
- Brewing Method – Extract brewing vs. all grain?
Each will add or subtract from the amount of time needed to complete a batch of beer. To further explainthe timeline, let’s go over the main steps of the beer-making process and how long each takes:
How long does the fermentation process usually take when brewing beer at home?
The fermentation process, which begins after the ‘Brew Day’, usually takes about two weeks. This is when the yeast consumes the sugar in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide.
When is the beer ready for bottling?
Beer is usually ready for bottling after two weeks of fermentation. The beer should be tested for specific gravity using a hydrometer to ensure that fermentation has completed.
What is the purpose of the conditioning phase in beer brewing?
The conditioning phase, which follows bottling, serves to carbonate the beer naturally. The yeast consumes priming sugar added at bottling, creating carbon dioxide that dissolves into the beer, giving it the desired carbonation.
How long is the conditioning phase when brewing beer at home?
The conditioning phase typically lasts about two weeks. During this time, the beer is stored at room temperature, allowing the carbonation to develop.
How long does it take to make beer at home from start to finish?
From start to finish, the beer brewing process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
