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Big_Belgian · 12-08-2012, 01:46 PM

I made a pale ale that fermented out much lower than I had planned - down to 1.006 (I know why it happened, but its not the point of my question so I'll just leave it at that). This was supposed to be a nice balanced APA with about 35 ibu and 5.5% abv. Since it fermented out so low, Hopville calculates a 6.9% abv for what I expect will be a very dry beer (NTTAWWT).

I don't mind dry beers, but am wondering whether a more experienced brewer might add some lactose at bottling? I want to bottle tomorrow (Sunday) and am just looking for some thoughts from those with some experience. I know it will be a decent beer either way, and don't want to overthink this, but I really wanted a nice, balanced, easy-drinking APA. Have researched the issue, and am thinking about adding 8 oz. of lactose with my priming sugar.

Thanks Homebrewtalkers!

**two_one_seven** · 12-08-2012, 02:00 PM

I would just drink it. Putting bandaids on a beers "flaw" almost never works out. You end up with something worse than what you started with. At that final gravity it should still be very drinkable.

HopsMan · 12-08-2012, 02:11 PM

Yeah, don't add the lactose. At 1.006 it may be dry, but for an APA, thats not a terribly bad thing. You might find with some carbonation and a chill that you really enjoy it. Drink it as is, and if it ever happens again, then try the lactose if you really didn't enjoy it.

ong · 12-08-2012, 02:28 PM

I had a pale that finished a lot dryer and a bit tarter than I wanted, and I ended up stirring a drop of agave into each glass after I poured. I felt a little better after reading about certain German beers being served with a small pitcher of fruit syrup.

Big_Belgian · 12-10-2012, 02:56 PM

Thanks guys. I followed your advice and it made my bottling day a bit easier yesterday. A simpler, easier process is always preferred in this hobby. The uncarbonated, warm sample tasted great, so I'm hopeful.