07-21-2013, 06:14 AM
G8S Wrote:I'm using the EZ Cap yeast that came with my kit. I did see at least 1 recipe that said like 3 days, but why do most I have seen talk about 2 weeks? (including the youtube recipe I followed). Different yeast?? I will do test run. If I feel it is not there, would pitching other beer yeast into work?
You can make beer with the EZ Caps yeast but you'll get better results using a yeast specific to the beer you are making (use an ale yeast when making ale, a lager yeast with lager, etc). At this point, I wouldn't add any more yeast. If it is fermenting (or fermented), enough yeast has been added.
As far as the question about fermenting time goes, the instructions are generally "beginner's instructions". An intermediate user knows that fermenting beer with EZ Caps only takes a few days, and they know how to make that determination. A beginner doesn't always have that knowledge so the instructions are given for the worst case scenario. Home brewing is part art and part science.
If you haven't done so already, try a quick taste of the beer. I usually leave the cap on, invert the bottle slightly, and insert my thumb nail or other object into the easy cap slit and let the pressure eject some of the liquid into a glass. Because it's not clarified it won't be a true representation of the final product, but if the sweetness is gone and it tastes like beer the fermentation is done. (Also read our FAQ referencing how to tell when the fermentation is complete).