[Brewmeisters]

Okay, we started a Russian Imperial Stout, last night.
Put the lid on and less than 18 hours later, it’s fermenting, how do I take this news?
I know it’s good, so far. But is a quick start a bad thing?
Or is it a wait and see type thing?
What’s been your experience when it come to fermenting an RIS?

[JT]

Okay, we started a Russian Imperial Stout, last night.
Put the lid on and less than 18 hours later, it’s fermenting, how do I take this news?
I know it’s good, so far. But is a quick start a bad thing?
Or is it a wait and see type thing?
What’s been your experience when it come to fermenting an RIS?

I would be more nervous if I didn't see fermentation within 18 hours.  Sounds like the yeast are making you some beer. 

  "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

[Brewmeisters]

This is our first brew, so I am obviously excited about the next few days and maybe weeks.

[JT]

 Very cool.  Go big or go home, eh?  Good luck with this first beer!  Any other questions, ask away!  I've learned a ton from these forums. 

  "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

[Brewmeisters]

Have you had experience brewing an RIS or know of someone?
If so, what’s been the fermentation time?

[brewinhard]

Have you had experience brewing an RIS or know of someone?
If so, what’s been the fermentation time?

For your first brew, I would recommend letting the RIS sit in the primary fermenter (don't transfer it) for about 3 wks. This will ensure that your beer is fully done fermenting and provides ample time for the yeast and particulates to settle out before packaging.

[Hersey]

This is gonna sound macabe but I want to brew a really Big RIS for my own Death Brew.  I hate funerals, I don't like Memorials if it don't make you feel good about the person, their LIFE and how you remember them.  I want folks to remember me and have a good time doing it when the time comes, so I want to make a brew just for that occasion.... sound strange?  Its been in the back of my mind since 2010 when I nearly died and since then I've buried my brother and this weekend my brother-in-law.  I hate it but its part of life's circle... may as well make the best of it.   

[brewinhard]

This is gonna sound macabe but I want to brew a really Big RIS for my own Death Brew.  I hate funerals, I don't like Memorials if it don't make you feel good about the person, their LIFE and how you remember them.  I want folks to remember me and have a good time doing it when the time comes, so I want to make a brew just for that occasion.... sound strange?  Its been in the back of my mind since 2010 when I nearly died and since then I've buried my brother and this weekend my brother-in-law.  I hate it but its part of life's circle... may as well make the best of it.   

Sorry to hear about your recent losses....

And I totally agree about the death brew!  It is a great idea, albeit a bit hard to plan ahead for.