A Guide to the Stages of Beer Fermentation

The restaurant industry is one of the most important industries in the world because it facilitates an essential activity for people, eating. The items this industry provides come in multiple variations, one of them being alcoholic beverages, which are also very popular among many worldwide.

Beer is one of the most popular and sold beverages because of its versatility; you can quench your thirst on a hot day, drink it to relax, and even use it for cooking. You may know what beer tastes like, but creating this unique liquid has a very interesting method.

This guide to the stages of beer fermentation will tell you everything you need to know about one of the main steps for beer development. You will learn about basic ingredients, how to add them to the right equipment to keep the process consistent, and better understand the amount of patience necessary to get the best possible results.

What Is Beer Fermentation?

Beer fermentation is essential for beer creation because the yeast, a one-celled organism that survives in moisture and the right temperature, is in charge of the transformation. Before getting into the full fermentation process, it is necessary to know what precedes this step: having the right ingredients.

Fermentation happens on something called “wort,” a mix of different ingredients that transform into a thick, sugary liquid, like cereals and hops. The yeast then processes this liquid inside conservation tanks, creating beer over time and under optimal conditions.

Temperature, the right brewing equipment, time, and various ingredients will determine the beer’s consistency, flavor, and color. The main process is the mix of cereals and hops; this concoction will determine the aroma, flavor, bitterness, and color of the beer, adding to the length of the fermentation process.

Fermentation: Primary Stage

The first step in beer fermentation is the interaction between wort and yeast; while there is still oxygen inside the tank, yeast will multiply to work on the wort. When the oxygen runs out, the yeast will start breaking down the sugar, transforming it into CO2 with the help of their enzymes.

This stage will transform the sugar, determining the beer’s flavor and color. Setting the temperature is essential for this stage and the right development. The temperature can range between 46 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to produce Ales and Lagers with lighter and more golden colors.

Diacetyl will appear, which will give the beer its flavor characteristics. After this stage, most of the sugar and nutrients from the wort will be gone, allowing the second stage of fermentation to begin.

Fermentation: Secondary Stage

In this stage, the remaining sugar will disappear, and the alcoholic content will start appearing; yeast will absorb the diacetyl produced in the first stage and transform it into acetoin. Once the fermentation process reaches between 50% to 60%, which is close to the end of the second stage, you must drop the temperature by three to five degrees to continue with the process and enter the third stage.

You need a beer fermentation tank containing the necessary characteristics and specifications to provide a smooth process for fermentation to complete successfully. With modern equipment and new developments, monitoring and keeping track of the process is simpler and more effective.

The necessary equipment, like unitanks, will keep your wort at the right temperature, prevent unwanted oxygenation, and avoid unwanted flavors. Once this process ends, the settling process and final stage begin.

Fermentation: Third Stage

The third or conditioning stage is when the sugars from the wort turn completely into alcohol and require a drop in temperature. This stage converts the beer, allowing it to sit for some time. Ales require little time, while Lagers must sit longer.

Oxygen must not enter the tank because this could add unwanted flavors or ruin the process. The right equipment has essential valves to minimize errors and handle the beer-making process in the best possible way, delivering the best product and imbibing experience.

This stage also involves removing yeast from the beer using different methods, like filtering or spinning. Each process will safely remove yeast you can reuse for your next batch. Once the beer is ready, you must wait at least two weeks to let the flavors and carbonation sit before bottling or drinking it.

Monitoring Change

Throughout the beer fermentation process, you must monitor change to ensure that the consistency, PH, flavor, and color are the ones you desire. One of the most important factors mentioned above is temperature, which will determine how well and how quickly fermentation occurs.

You can adjust the temperature by some degrees if something is not working correctly. Perform small tests constantly to determine the cause of the problem. CO2 production and simple PH tests are the quickest way to detect if the process has any problems.

You can perform gravity readings at the beginning and end of the process to measure change and learn important details on the go. Gravity readings measure the beer’s density and indicate the amount of alcohol available due to the dissolved sugars.

When the CO2 levels are low, fermentation is close to completion. However, depending on the type of beer you are brewing, you will need to let it sit for longer.

Fermentation Equipment

A successful process will be easier to achieve with the right equipment in the right space and the proper knowledge because these will minimize errors. We mentioned some of the necessary tools you need, but here is a clear recap to help you achieve the best results.

Unitanks are where fermentation happens, which is the most important element in beer development. They help to prevent oxygen from entering the liquid and maintain a constant yet adjustable temperature. A Brite Tank will create carbonation and keep your beer fresh and ready during storage once the fermentation process is complete.

Using stainless steel is the best way to preserve your beer. At Craftmaster Stainless, we have high-quality beer-making products to enhance your experience and help your business succeed. You can’t go wrong with us as your beer production partner, as we offer the best solutions, professional experience, and knowledge. Contact us today to learn more.