I know there is some pretty good debate about the so called secondary fermenter. The instructions call for two weeks in the primary, a month in the secondary, and two weeks in the bottles. Would you more seasoned vets do it that way or would you maybe do two weeks in the secondary and a month in the bottle instead?
I made NB’s winter warmer a little over 2 months ago and did 3 weeks primary and 3 weeks bottle condition. Came out great.
Personally, I do a secondary but I agree with others that it’s totally optional (probably more like a habit for me than a necessity).
Whether you do one or not, after the two weeks in bottle don’t be in a hurry to drink the stuff…strong beers like this usually improve with age. I usually make my winter warmer between February and April and other than a taste when I’m racking it, don’t start drinking it until November at the earliest.
