Multiple Fermentations

[ZSK]

I've seen a couple beers that are fermented more than once. What purpose does this serve? Is new yeast used every time? Can I do it with my homebrew?

[DecoJuicer]

I just got a second fermentation on a stout that I am making. When I racked over to my secondary, I added some cherries. the sugar in the fruit got the yeast started again. It appears that the second fermentation has run its course, but I don't see why you couldn't continue to do something like that again and again. As long as you don't kill your yeast, there should be no reason to have to add more.

[ZSK]

Thanks Deco. I might give it a try just to see what happens to the flavor. I am assuming each fermentation raises the alcohol level. Do you add the cherries to your stout to get the cherry flavor or just a touch of sweetness? Have you done it before?

[DecoJuicer]

It was the first time that I did it, and I did it to get a little bit of cherry flavor.

I would just caution that if the alcohol content gets too high, the taste and smell of the alcohol will come through in your beer.

[HogieWan]

some brewers add the sugars a bit at a time if the alcohol content is going to be high.