Fermenting Problem

[Dilligaf76]

Brewed a Pale Ale last Wednesday and pitched my US 04 yeast that night. No bubbles the next morning but no surprise. That evening it they were chowing down and I had a good stream of bubbles. I had my temps a little low since its been cool here lately and by Friday there were no more bubbles and no sign of any either. I let it go until Sunday finally put it in the sun (6 gallon ale pail) and gave it a good stir. I checked the sg and it was 1.012. I have. I idea what my og was but with 5.5 lbs of DME and 3.5 lbs of steeping grains it was supposed to be 1.063 and everything went as planned so I have to assume it was close to that.
What in the hello is going on with my beer?! I usually use US 05 but I'm testing a theory about a slight yeast allergy so I'm trying out 04. It doesn't seem possible to me that it could have finished that fast. I hope to see some more action this afternoon but at 1.012 I don't think it gonna happen. I hope it's gonna be ok since I used huge amount of hops so it's a pricey beer.
HELP!

 

[unionrdr]

If the OG was indeed 1.063,then an FG of 1.012 is pretty darn good. Def in the range it should be.

 

[birvine]

1. It can be fast, plus it will still be at work for a bit.
2. Don't put the pail in the sun. I'd be nervous of some sun getting in.

Brent

 

[mychalg9]

It doesnt sound like you have a problem (besides patience issues)

 

[unionrdr]

And keep it outta the sun,unless you enjoy fermented skunk wizz.

 

[kyle6286]

I don't know if I would stir it during or after fermentation unless I was bottling and I was mixing my priming sugar. I don't think there's ever a need to stir during fermentation. Just risking an infection IMO.

 

[Dilligaf76]

Oddly enough I'm in no hurry for this beer since the keg still has Pumpkin ale in it. I gave myself a two week fermenting window.
So it's possible to have a beer finish (mostly) in two days? That just sounds impossible but I guess the hydrometer doesnt lie. I left it in a spot where it could get some sun today as well but it's in a white pail. Can it skunk through that?

 

[unionrdr]

Being left in the sun that long,it could. I ave windows on the South side of the room,fermenter stand on the West end. And I still cover the fermenters with old tee shirts,dark preferably.

 

[ChadChaney]

Did you move to the sun to increase the temp? If so there are other ways to increase the temp without risking the exposure to the light. If you can find an older style heating pad, with out the autoshutoff that works too.

 

[unionrdr]

I have an electrically controlled oil heater in the room that does the job for me.

 

[Dilligaf76]

I was trying to raise the temps. I didn't think about the skunking. I just pressed the lid down enough to get a few bubbles and they smelled fine. (love those late additions) I'm gonna go ahead and dry hop it and let it go a week longer.
Thanks for the help guys

 

[ATXweirdobrew]

Sounds like to me your yeast were just working really hard and were in optimal conditions to do the job fast. Just let it sit in the dark for a few more days to make sure the job is really done. Just becuase there is no more krausen doesnt mean there isnt alittle bit of yeast still working. Also dont stir the brew after fermenting which can cause oxidation and other off flavors.

 

[Yooper]

I've had S04 ferment out most of my ales within 36 hours even at 62 degrees! It works fast, and clears the beer very well.

It's too late now, but for next time you know not to put it in the sun or to stir it up! If you're ever in doubt again, check the SG. If it's lower than you started with, cover it up and leave it alone!

 

[Dilligaf76]

Yooper, that's exactly what I needed to hear about the 04. I just grabbed it of the shelf without any research so I had no idea it would ferment so quickly. It's been dry hopped and is cold crashing now. Should know if it's nasty in a few days. I don't have a sophisticated palette so I'm sure it will be fine.
Thanks for the advice guys/gal.

 

[Dilligaf76]

Update,
The beer turned out fine and has been consumed
No problems of skunking just me being impatient and drinking it all up before it was aged. The last few glasses were great.
I now know what to expect from 04 and used it again on another 2.5 gallon BIAB batch. Love that stuff.
Thanks for the help guys.

 

[birvine]

Great to hear!

B