Fermentation Stopped/Gravity still high

[Jamie8747]

Quick question. I've got my first batch going (Pale Ale) in the fermenter (day 12). Have had steady fermentation up to day 11. No signs of fermentation for the last day. Starting gravity was 1.045, Day 9 gravity 1.017 @68 degrees, Day 12 gravity 1.017 @ 66 degrees. The recommendation is for 1.010-1.012 as final gravity. I sampled it on day 12 and it tastes good, typical hoppiness for a Pale.

Is it safe to bottle or should I wait a bit longer?

If I do bottle now, should I reduce the amount of priming sugar?

I appreciate the feedback as this is my first batch ever and don't want to "screw it up", and/or "blow em up"!

 

[BrookdaleBrew]

If it is an extract batch, it is not uncommon to finish a little high. If your SG is the same for more than 3 days it is safe to bottle using the normal amount of priming sugar. Although most would recommend you leaving it in primary for at least 3 weeks before bottling.

 

[Jamie8747]

In the absence of any visible fermentation, can the SG continue to drop?

 

[BrookdaleBrew]

It can, but if your SG is stable for at least 3 days then you're safe.

 

[Hang Glider]

I appreciate the feedback as this is my first batch ever and don't want to "screw it up", and/or "blow em up"!

Unlikely to screw up or blow up at this point. 12 days is 'hydrometically' fine, but your beer will be a little better if you're able to practice a bit of patience and wait about 18 more days ...the yeast will clean things up a bit, the beer will condition, and you will be rewarded with a better beer.

Congrats on the first batch! Go brew another...

 

[Revvy]

I've bottled 1.020 extract beers before. Just like other's have said though, make sure the gravity is stable for three days.

But I would give the fermenter a gentle swirl to rouse the yeast, and let it sit for at least another week. I leave all my beers alone for a month, it lets the yeast finish and clean up after itself.