Why are none of my beers finishing fermentation? - Page 3

blkandrust · 07-30-2010, 09:03 PM

UPDATE!!!!.Well,I used Morebeers converter and it showed my DFH 90 and my house IPA both to be at 1.000!!!!!!!!!!!That would make my DFH 10.7%abv and my house IPA 7.5%!!!!.Obviously higher than anticipated.So I took a hydro reading and low and behold,they are both at about 1.000!!!!I blame this on the Amylase Enzyme i added a week ago.Sampled both and they were a little thin as you can imagine,but a lot more tolerable than the prvious few batches which I think may have stalled due to ferm temp.I also checked my other IPA that is in the ferm chamber in primary,where its been for 12 days,refrac showed it stuck at 1.024.I did a hydro and its at 1.010!!!!!!!!I was totally unaware of refracs not reading correctly if alchohol is present..THANKS A TON GUYS!!I'm getting ready to keg my DFH90 and my IPA..I wish I could have all of you over for a few pints of thin bodied high alchohol brews!!.lol..Thanks again..

**Shooter** · 07-30-2010, 10:04 PM

You could throw a few ounces of maltodextrin in at bottling to try and beef up the mouthfeel. When I got my refractometer I was aware of this problem and it still caught me off guard at first. I took a reading and got 1.027 and wondered what went wrong. It took a couple of minutes for me to remember that I had to convert the number.

blkandrust · 07-30-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter

You could throw a few ounces of maltodextrin in at bottling to try and beef up the mouthfeel. When I got my refractometer I was aware of this problem and it still caught me off guard at first. I took a reading and got 1.027 and wondered what went wrong. It took a couple of minutes for me to remember that I had to convert the number.

Thats a great idea.I have some malto on hand..I already kegged my DFH90 clone,but I can still add some to my IPA..Thanks bro..

ksbrain · 07-31-2010, 12:44 AM

So how do we explain the sweet taste? Is that a misinterpretation of alcohol flavors?

Right now I'm glad I still haven't pulled the trigger on the refractometer purchase.

blkandrust · 07-31-2010, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksbrain

So how do we explain the sweet taste? Is that a misinterpretation of alcohol flavors?

Right now I'm glad I still haven't pulled the trigger on the refractometer purchase.

The 3 previous batches were way to sweet due to what I believe was low ferm temp as I had them in my garage in ferm chamber.Temps dropped for 3 days.I believe that caused yeast to crash.Didnt take any readings as I was waiting on my new refrac.Next 3 batches I brewed I didnt taste but took readings with my new refrac and all appeared to be stuck due to improper read.They obviously were not stuck.Between the previous 3 batches being really sweet and misreading my refrac I assumed I was in a disaster zone.When actually the prob was that I didnt fully understand my refrac.

**ajf** · 07-31-2010, 01:39 AM

I read the heading, and instantly knew what was wrong. You weren't making a starter, and or your mash temperatures were much too high.
Then I read your original post. You addressed both of those points, and taught me a lesson about jumping to conclusions.

Then I read about you using a refractometer to get the FG. That made a lot of sense.
I've found that a refractometer is excellent for getting the OG of a brew, but have yet to find a calculator that gives accurate results after fermentation has started.
I use the refractometer for the OG, but use a finishing hydrometer for the FG readings.

-a.

blkandrust · 07-31-2010, 11:51 AM

Lol.Had I known about the refrac not being accurate for FG readings it would have saved a bunch of worrying.Oh well,live and learn.I used this calculator and it was really close to my hydro reading. http://www.onebeer.net/refractometer.shtml ..BTW,I noticed you are from L.I..I will be up there in a couple weeks,are there any decent LHBS in Suffolk?

**ajf** · 07-31-2010, 02:23 PM

I've only used 2 HBS on the Island.
Karps in East Northport. http://www.homebrewshop.com/
They have the best prices, (especially with bulk grain), but not a very large selection. The in store prices also don't always match the web site, and their liquid yeast (propagator packs) is ancient.
Arbor Wine and Beermaking in Islip http://www.arborwine.com/
They have a bit better selection, but their prices are much higher.

There are others (according to google), but I have never used them.

-a.

**rocketman768** · 08-01-2010, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksbrain

So how do we explain the sweet taste?.

The placebo effect.