trouble carbonating due to high final OG?

[RandyBoBandy]

After 2 weeks in the primary and 1 week dry hop in the secondary, I bottled a five gallon batch of Stones 15th anniversary black IIPA clone using 5oz priming sugar stirred throughly. I haven't had an issue with carbonation with other ales in the past using the same method. (Usually 7-10 days is sufficient) I absolutely nailed the OG of 1.103 However, with such a HUGE beer I did fall short on the FG with ths one. Target was 1.023 and my reading on bottling day was 1.034. (likely due to insufficient 1 liter starter?) Three weeks after bottling and only the slightest "pssst" when i pop one open. Even after a vigorous pour, no head to speak of. I am assuming the high FG is the culprit here. To my understanding all beer will "eventuality carbonate" on their own, but being an IPA at heart, naturally i would prefer to experience this beast as soon as possible. My question: Is there a precautionary measure to aid carbonation when you fall this short of your target FG, or is patience the key?

 

[chickypad]

It's not the high FG but more likely the high ABV. It's a rough environment and sounds like your yeast may have already been stressed from a significant underpitch. Some folks add a high alcohol tolerance yeast at bottling for big beers, no experience with that so can't give you any first hand advice. I would assume you'd have to be careful there aren't fermentable sugars left. They may carb up if you keep them warm and give them more time.

 

[SpeedYellow]

Just be patient. Even when force carbing big stouts, it takes a lot longer. I won't speculate why, but it's definitely been my experience on a few 1.100+ stouts.