2nd Brew BB Black IPA Extract

[jturman35]

Ok, so I have my second brew under way a Brewers Best Black IPA extract kit. I did everything to instructions except I only boils half my LME at the start and threw in the other half with 10 mins left to boil. Pulled my OG which was perfect 1.060. I just pulled my FG which at 60deg was 1.021 which was high. Sample has good taste I'm just a little disappointed this is looking more like a 5.1% beer except 6%.

No bubbles in awhile will this possibly increase in abv while sitting in the fermenter? It's been 11days at 67-68 controlled fermenter. I was playing on going 30days in the chamber. I will add some Delta hops 5-7 days before I bottle.

Is there anything I can do to bump up the abv to 6% ?

should have these results.
OG: 1.056-1.060
FG: 1.014-1.016
Abv 5.5-6%View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1505520751.828782.jpgView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1505520774.752844.jpg

 

[kh54s10]

Can't really see for sure but it looks like 1.020 to me. 1 point one way or another doesn't make much difference though. 1.020 is a common stopping point with extracts for some reason. I think I read where someone explained it once.

You could swirl it gently to try to stir up the yeast cake and let the temperature to rise to about 70 degrees and see if the gravity drops any more.

If it tastes good, don't worry to much about the FG. Yeast eat until there is nothing more that they can eat.

For an IPA, I would not go 30 days. They lose their hop aroma and flavor quickly compared to other styles. Maybe dry hop at day 14 for the 5-7 days then package it.

 

[GHBWNY]

At this point, not much you can do to increase ABV. After 11 days, it is likely finished at 1.020. Welcome to your first case of the dreaded "1.020 Extract Curse". You could do another reading in 2-3 days, but chances are it will show the same FG, in which case your beer is done fermenting. Leaving it in the fermenter any longer will not increase ABV or do the beer any measurable good as far as fermentation goes. Clearing, yes. Yeast are done eating and have gone night-night. It is typical with extract brews (for whatever reason) to stop short of predicted FG. I've had it happen a few times myself. Best to bottle and let it age/condition in the bottle, not the fermenter. Ideally, 3 weeks @ 70F, 1 week the fridge. You'll have good beer regardless of the .75% of a point shortfall in expected ABV. Love the black IPA.

 

[jturman35]

Ok, well I also have a red Ale that was brewed 8 days before the black IPA. I was thinking of cold crashing these two together in the fermenter before I bottle/keg in about a week?

 

[jt8d]

what kind of yeast did you use? I just had this exact problem yesterday on a black belgian IPA with 3787, even with a pound of sugar in there! I got a starter going with the nuclear option (wlp 099) to see what happens

 

[jturman35]

The Black IPA came with BRY-97.

 

[jt8d]

I just noticed you said 60 deg, has it been fermenting at this temp the whole time? I've never used that yeast but that's right on the bottom of it's optimal range. KH54s10 had a good suggestion of a gentle swirl and raising the temp, then check in a few days.

 

[jturman35]

I just noticed you said 60 deg, has it been fermenting at this temp the whole time? I've never used that yeast but that's right on the bottom of it's optimal range. KH54s10 had a good suggestion of a gentle swirl and raising the temp, then check in a few days.

No, it's been fermenting for 11 days at 68deg. I chilled the FG sample in the fridge so my hydrometer reading would be accurate. It's calibrated at 60deg.

 

[jturman35]

Hey guys I added my dry hop 2oz of Delta yesterday and was thinking of cold crashing Fri-Sun and kegging Sun afternoon. I was thinking of adding (1oz Delta) dry hop in the keg using two small strainer balls?View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1505955120.571472.jpg

 

[jturman35]

Can anyone recommend a good hop for dry hop? Should I stick with the Delta pellets? My Kit came with Magnum, Simcoe and called for Delta for the dry hop.

I want to hop in the keg.

 

[jturman35]

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1506556273.972910.jpg

Oh well, no comment on the keg dry hop! Ended up dry hopping in the primary for about 4 days. This is one day in the keg. Taste great!