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czeknere · 12-09-2008, 04:01 AM

Brewed a Chocolate Stout on Dec 1st. Hit an OG of 1.078 and pitched one vial of White Labs Irish Ale Yeast. Now I know I'm only a week into it, but I'm wondering if I should have pitched an extra vial of yeast? I'm expecting a final gravity of 1.022 (today and yesterday it was steady at 1.032 ~ 59% attenuation). Like I said, I know that I'm only a week into it, and plan on leaving the beer for another week or two before secondary, but should I have pitched more or at least made a starter?

**BigKahuna** · 12-09-2008, 04:04 AM

What you shouldda done was made a starter. But what is done is done....and it may be ok. If you aerated enough...it could be ok, but sounds like it's stuck. A pack of US-05 might finish it up with minimal impact to your yeast flavor profile.

czeknere · 12-09-2008, 04:07 AM

What if I pitched a new vial of the Irish Ale Yeast?

**BigKahuna** · 12-09-2008, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by czeknere

What if I pitched a new vial of the Irish Ale Yeast?

It'd cost you $7 instead of $1.50?

I don't think another vial will do much unless you make a starter...then you're rocking.

czeknere · 12-09-2008, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigKahuna

It'd cost you $7 instead of $1.50?

Good point...

I think I'll leave it another week before I take any action, but then the US-05 will be the way to go. Thanks!

BelgianWannabe · 12-09-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigKahuna

If you aerated enough...it could be ok, but sounds like it's stuck.

with stuck fermentations, i have had much luck with yeast energizer

czeknere · 12-09-2008, 02:20 PM

I used a yeast nutrient during the boil. Is that what you mean or are you saying to possibly add a yeast energizer now? Is there a difference between a yeast energizer and yeast nutrient?

Christian · 12-09-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by czeknere

Brewed a Chocolate Stout on Dec 1st. Hit an OG of 1.078 and pitched one vial of White Labs Irish Ale Yeast. Now I know I'm only a week into it, but I'm wondering if I should have pitched an extra vial of yeast? I'm expecting a final gravity of 1.022 (today and yesterday it was steady at 1.032 ~ 59% attenuation). Like I said, I know that I'm only a week into it, and plan on leaving the beer for another week or two before secondary, but should I have pitched more or at least made a starter?

I've had the same problem before, when i didn't know about the number of yeast cells vs higher gravities. Personally i think you will be fine it'll just take a little bit longer. I'd just leave it alone for a couple of weeks before checking it again.

**SenorWanderer** · 12-09-2008, 06:59 PM

for future reference, this calculator says you'd need 3 vials, or a 1.25 gallon starter made from 1 vial.

**BierMuncher** · 12-09-2008, 07:14 PM

I'll ask the obvious, what temperature are you fermenting at?