Fermentation Stall?

ksisler · Mar 24, 2011

My first post so take it easy on me...

Ok so I'm just starting out and only have a few batches under my belt. So far I have been using the Brewers Best kits and everything has worked out pretty much ok.

I brewed up my first batch of RIS 4 days ago and I think my fermentation may have stalled. My OG was 1.075 (a little below the recommended OG of 1.078) and yesterday and today my SG has been 1.036. Brewers Best recommends a FG of 1.017.

What gives? I know its only been four days but I have a hard time thinking I will get anywhere near my target FG. I did have a BIG blowoff on day 1 is it possible I lost yeast? Should I re-pitch? What are my options?

Revvy · Mar 24, 2011

It's only been four days...and it's a big beer.

Check back in about 10 days.....It'll be close to if not done by then.

fifelee · Mar 24, 2011

Four days is early to be too worried. If it make you feel better, give it a swirl and warm it up. Then give it a week. If still to to high then try pitching a high alcohol yeast.

Revvy · Mar 24, 2011

You have to realize that yeast can't read recipes and most recipes are unrealistic in terms of finish time. They operate on their own timeframe. For example, yeast often take 3 days to even start, it's called lag time, so it would be two surprising that on day four you've actually only had 1 day of fermentation. That's hardly enough time.

Plus even after fermentation is complete, they yeast aren't done, if given the chance they go back and clean up after themselves. That's why if you choose a secondary, you should wait til fermentation is complete, and I recommend folks not even check til around day 12 and then on 14...and if you do like many folks are doing instead, just leave you beer in primary for a month, then bottle.

But your beer being a RIS, is a big beer, so it does need a lot of time.

:mug: