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Just a quick update: I bottled last weekend...will keep an eye on the carbonation level. I found what I believe is the source of my troubles. I broke out the equipment this morning to get a batch of California Common going. I decided to check my thermometer and put it in a glass of crushed ice...

Yes, that was the first thing I checked. Calibrated correctly. Also calibrated and checked with a 2nd hydrometer...same reading. -Dan

Well, I checked the gravity: 1.030. I guess it's done. Again, the hyrdo sample tasted ok. I had SWMBO take a taste; she said it was a bit "tart". I asked if she thought it was sweet; nope, just a bit tart. Looks like I'm bottling this weekend. Thanks to you all for your input...it's...

Well, no bubbling in the airlock (which means nothing, I know). I haven't opened the lid since I pitched Saturday; want to keep that to a minimum. So I don't know yet. :) I'm going to check the gravity this afternoon...will update then. -Dan

It's actually been 14 days. I wasn't clear in my OP about that. As to your question, I suppose it's possible that something went wrong during the rehydration. In any event, I can get hold of another packet of S-04 tomorrow. I'll pitch it and see what happens. -Dan

The thermometer is nothing special, but it's what I've always used. As for the date on the yeast packet, I didn't check it, TBH. I went on the assumption that Morebeer.com turns over their inventory fairly quickly and that they know how to handle yeast. I hear ya on having faith in S-04...

Yeah, I've always had that experience with S-04. That's why I'm a bit baffled here. As I said in the OP, the sample wasn't that sweet; I would have downed the whole thing if I didn't have to get back to work.

Hydrometer.

My LHBS closed, so I decided to give a Morebeer kit a try. I ordered the AG Dry Irish Stout kit and a packet of S-04 yeast. I've used this in the past and had good results. In fact, I would worry that the yeast quit too soon, because the krausen would drop after 4 days! The beers were always...

I wouldn't describe it as "earthy," but "peaty." As I said, it reminded me a bit of Scotch (a blended, watered-down Scotch). I may try one this weekend. Belle Saison seems to be an aggressive yeast (active fermentation appeared to be done in 4 days), so I wouldn't be at all surprised to find...

Brewed this at the end of August using Belle Saison. Life got in the way, and didn't bottle until this past Monday (10/24). OG was 1.064...down to 1.002. Hydro sample was tasty, but I thought there was a hint of peat, almost like Scotch. Don't recall that taste the last time I brewed this. Will...

Did you let the solution cool before you racked the beer? It's possible, though unlikely due to volumes, that the heat killed the yeast if the sugar solution was still near boiling when you racked. -Dan

And what was the exact problem you had? Not enough carbonation? Inconsistent from bottle to bottle? Too much? And I've found it's better to measure the priming sugar by weight, not volume. -Dan

Forget it Jake. It's Chinatown.

Assuming your water volume at the start was appropriate for a 5 gallon batch, you did fine. -Dan

Glad the campden worked for you. I found it made a difference in my beers as well. -Dan

Lack of airlock activity does not mean fermentation is over. The yeast are still doing their thing. There used to be a pinned thread about this, but I can't find it now. Leave it alone, it will be fine. :) -Dan

Yup, that's for wine (have to kill the yeast on the fruit/must. Don't need that much to just remove the chloramines). They're not hard to split. I use a sharp paring knife. -Dan

I use 1/4 tablet per 5 gallons. I crush it and add to the water after I've collected the water from the tap. Stir until dissolved. (Doesn't take long to dissolve.) Hope this helps. -Dan

I'm leaning this way as well. I take Marshall's work to mean "don't freak if you're a bit off with temps, etc." And none of the Brulosophy crew take their findings as reason to abandon the "best practices." Even they're skeptical in regards to their results. I've said it before in this...