Add DME to fermenting brew?

Talloak · 01-14-2009, 06:50 PM

I made an IPA (partial mash) and figured out that I missed my OG by 16 points. Should have been 1.064. I got 1.048. Figured out this was because I did not add enough DME. Only added 3lbs instead of 5 or 6.

I would like to correct this. One member mentioned the possibilty of adding more DME to the primary while fermenting, but didn't explain in detail.

The brew has been fermenting in a 6.5 gallon pail for about 72 hours. Bubbling has slowed down since yesterday, the high point. Don't usually watch bubbles closely, but i had my nose on the airlock for like 5 minutes last night.

What are the steps to add additional DME to an already fermenting brew?

RedIrocZ-28 · 01-14-2009, 06:52 PM

While I have never done this, I have read that what you will do is boil in a small volume of water to sterilize the mixture, maybe 5-10 minutes at a good boil. Cool it like your wort, and add it in.

Experts? What say ye?

**Brewmasters Warehouse** · 01-14-2009, 06:56 PM

I say you are correct. Boil the DME in water to sterilize and then cool and add to wort.

Talloak · 01-14-2009, 07:07 PM

Should I shake up the fermenter again after that? Or stir it with a spoon?

It is already fermenting, so the gravity is decreasing. Maybe I should take a reading as it sits now, and additional readings until I reach the 16 points I missed?

So let's say its at 1.024 right now because it has been fermenting for 72 hours. I would want to get it to 1.040 to make up the 16 points I missed?

How much water is necessary for about 2 lbs or so of DME? I would like to use as little as possible I suppose so I don't go too far over 5 gallons.

RedIrocZ-28 · 01-14-2009, 07:19 PM

I wouldn't be terribly concerned about missing the Gravity. I have yet to hit one spot on for one reason or another, having a higher OG will yield a little more alcohol so long as it ferments out to your prescribed final gravity. Even if it doesn't its not a big deal. Either way its still beer.

Use enough water to totally dissolve the DME (this part is up to you, make a guess) and don't burn it!

orangeandblue302 · 01-14-2009, 08:01 PM

why not just let it do its thing and then you can just make another batch? I would think that missing the gravity would be reason enough to get it out of the primary and get to brewing again.

You will have great success either way

Cheers

Talloak · 01-14-2009, 08:02 PM

Yah alright. Screw it. Lesson learned. Try again soon. Probably better not to mess around with it at this point. Still curious if anyone has ever done this successfully.

**bull8042** · 01-14-2009, 08:32 PM

I know your other thread drifted off on a bit of a tangent for a post or two, but it would really help if you confine your posts and questions about the same topic in the same thread.
This will really help others help you as they will have all of the info from the start. Just because you have a few responses doesn't mean that is all the help you are going to get. Many people, especially the regulars hail from different parts of the globe, meaning different time zones. If they see this thread, but miss your first thread showing your recipe, then you may not get the best help because they won't have all of the pertinent information.

McGarnigle · 01-14-2009, 08:45 PM

I am going to question whether you should in fact just let the batch be. Missing the OG by 0.16 is a lot, and this being an IPA, I'd worry about balance of hops vs. malt. That being said, I can't answer your questions about how to best add DME.

Talloak · 01-14-2009, 08:55 PM

Sorry Bull8042. It seemed to me that it warranted a new post with a new title. The cause of the missed OG had been narrowed down. Maybe I should just chill out and learn some patience.

My original thread can be found here: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/missed-og-16-points-97754/

Thanks for everyones help! I sincerely appreciate it.