FG issues

[nick samson]

I'm attempting to brew my first lager. I pitched german lager yeast into an OG of 56 GU 2 weeks ago. I anticipate a FG of about 12 GU, but it's been stuck at 37 GU for that last week according to my refractometer. I started with 2 packets of yeast and did a 2L starer. I should have had more than enough yeast. I have it fermenting at 54 degrees.

I'm going to buy a hydrometer tomorrow to make sure the refractometer is giving me accurate readings. If the hydrometer reads 37GU what should I do? Is this normal for a lager strand. My plan was to rack to 2ndary today and lager for a month or more. I figured the beer would already be at 12 GU. Should I just give it more time? Will it get to 12 GU during lagering? Or should I pitch more yeast?

 

[bracconiere]

lol, number 6...refractometers need to be corrected for alcohol. and your right get a hydrometer for FG.

i'd look up the calc for it but here's another thread from a week ago.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/high-fg-issue.658339/#post-8442155

And no worries! Brew on!

 

[WBB]

What size batch? Was the starter active after you made it? Was the dry yeast still good, meaning when was the exp date? Although I think expired yeast would still chew up wort. Maybe try raising the ferm temp up to say 58 or 60 and see if the yeast wake up.

Could be a stall. What yeast did you use? Dry and starter.

 

[bracconiere]

Actually i was looking at that. is kinda high, what was your mash temp? assuming all-grain batch.

the calcs say your FG is around 1.022. which could be explained by a higher mash temp.

 

[nick samson]

I used wlp830, didn't log exact exp date but both packets were fine. It's a 5 gal batch. The starter was active. Mashed at a temp of 152.

 

[WBB]

Try warming it up a little bit. Maybe something to do with the wlp830 competing with the dry yeast.

 

[Yooper]

Take a hydrometer reading, and see where you are.

If you're above 1.020 or so, it's time to do the diacetyl rest. Actually, it's probably a little past time, but you could do it now.