Hefeweizen usually slow?

[Mikeus]

Hi all, I did a partial mash hefeweizen about 3 weeks ago and the fermentation has seemed really slow. I've kept the fermenter around 68-70, but I don't see the usual streams of bubbles going up the side of the carboy as I normally do. Is this usual for hefeweizen or is my yeast just a bit sluggish?

 

[DeathBrewer]

not at all. hefes are usually crazy fast...and what makes you think it's going slow? have you taken a hydrometer reading? bubbles are no indication of fermentation. after three weeks, a typical hefe is ready to bottle.

 

[Mikeus]

not at all. hefes are usually crazy fast...and what makes you think it's going slow? have you taken a hydrometer reading? bubbles are no indication of fermentation. after three weeks, a typical hefe is ready to bottle.

Really slow airlock activity as well as lack of bubbles within the wort itself. I know I probably should take a hyrdometer reading, it just had a slow start and has been a bit cold in my house so I was hoping slow activity was normal.

Hypothetically, let's say the gravity is still high. It's been in the secondary for a week now. Should I pitch more yeast or would that ruin the batch?

 

[GrantLee63]

I have never had a hefe go slow ..... take a hydro reading - your fermentation may be over .....

 

[BuffaloSabresBrewer]

My hefe blew my airlock off more than once. Fun to watch.

 

[mr x]

At three weeks, I'd imagine it's done, unless it was really cold. I just started fermenting my hefes with 3068 at 62 degrees, and they were done in under 2 weeks.

 

[brewt00l]

Hypothetically, let's say the gravity is still high. It's been in the secondary for a week now. Should I pitch more yeast or would that ruin the batch?

Why guess...take a reading

 

[Joker]

Take a reading my bet is you could be bottling it and drinking in a couple weeks.