Big beers can take some time to finish and they should finish before you carbonate else too much carbonation (eventually) and potential broken bottles. Don't bottle until bubbling stops! The best way is to keg it and pressurize with nitrogen up to about 50 psig. This way, you create a wonderful cascade effect when you pour a pint. The down side of Co2 carbonation is the sharp flavor imparted by the CO2. Just a random thought from the peanut gallery. Rick ________________________________ From: mba-bounces(a)thebarn.com [mailto:mba-bounces@thebarn.com] On Behalf Of Hatcher, Brian Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:58 PM To: mba(a)thebarn.com Cc: Steven J; Pete H Subject: [mba] Bottling question Hi all, Say, I have a couple buddies here at work just getting into brewing extract beers and they have a question on aging beer. Steve is doing a bigger stout and wants to know which way is better, to age his stout in the secondary for 4-6 months, then bottle condition it for carbonation or go ahead and bottle, then let it sit for that same extended time. Can they join the club by just going to the website at http://www.mnbrewers.com/mhbadues.php ? Thanks and Cheers! ~Brian http://www.mnbrewers.com/ Brian Hatcher Sr. Master Scheduler C.P.I.M. Xiotech Corporation brian_hatcher(a)Xiotech.com <mailto:brian_hatcher@Xiotech.com?subject=Xiotech> 952 983 2466 (Office) 952 983 2488 (Fax) www.xiotech.com <http://www.xiotech.com> : Toll-Free 866 472 6764 Xiotech Website <http://www.xiotech.com/emailsig.aspx?personID=brian_hatcher@Xiotech.com This electronic message including any attachments ("Message") may contain information that is privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under trade secret and other applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, notify the sender immediately, permanently delete all copies of this Message, and be aware that examination, use, dissemination, duplication or disclosure of this Message is strictly prohibited.