[Lenk]

How long do you need to bottle condition? When kegging, do you still condition?

[gymrat]

I don't know anything about kegging. But how long you need to bottle condition varies from beer to beer. A wheat is ready a week or two after bottling. A stout or porter takes a month at the very least. In my opinion most beers are best a month after they have been bottled. I have only been doing this stuff for 2 years there are many on here that are far more experienced and knowledgeable than I am.

[sparkleberry]

i agree with one month.  i'll usually test one about two weeks in but still wait another couple of weeks before full enjoyment.  i've actually brewed a few porters that were amazing after 6-8 weeks.  though the last couple of really hoppy stuff started losing the hop kicks after about 8 weeks or so.   

i'd just try one each week for a couple of weeks and see what you like.  if your palate is super happy after 2 two weeks or 8 weeks i don't think it really matters too much.  it's your beer.

[bigchicken]

For me, I find Wheats are best in the range of 2 weeks and start to diminish after 2 months. IPA's are best 1 to 3 months. Stouts, porters, dark specialties all get better with age. I made a holiday spiced porter 18 months ago that gets better everytime I have one. Basically, each style has a different condition time that's optimal. Just experiment and find your preferences for each.

[euge]

I start drinking my wheats after three days in the bottle. But that's after 3 weeks in primary. Unless it's a strong beer you should be drinking within two months. Let your tastebuds be the decider.

Some beers are best a few weeks in- conditioning usually benefits beer. How long that is is up to you!