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?

 

[BobBailey]

Not knowing anything about your grain bill, mash and fermentation temperatures and the yeast strain, it's hard to guess whether or not you actually reached terminal gravity.
You obviously under pitched and a lot of the yeast is likely history. At this point, if it is beginning to carbonate give it more time. I would open a bottle every few days and, when you reach an acceptable carbonation level, get it in the fridge. A big beer with that amount of left over fermentables may produce some bottle bombs if left at room temperature too long. If it doesn't properly carbonate, you have a choice. Either drink flat beer or try to fix it, which may be opening a big can of worms.
With a big beer like that you need to pitch the proper amount of a healthy yeast strain that can tolerate high alcohol levels and make sure your wort is properly oxygenated. Beyond that you also need to be very patient and ready to rouse the yeast, or re-pitch, if needed.

 

[RandyBoBandy]

Thanks Bob. Very useful information here.