Low Gravity on NB Extra Pale Ale Extract Kit

[thummel1]

I brewed the NB EPA extract kit today. (http://www.northernbrewer.com/documentation/beerkits/ExtraPaleAle.pdf) It all went well, but I over-shot my 5 gallon mark and hit about 5.3-5.4 gallons. Hence, my gravity reading was low. I read a 1.038/39 instead of the target of 1.045. Beer Smith says at 5.4 gallons I should read about 1.040 - so I'm not too far off with that mistake.

My question is, should I add some DME to bump the gravity? If so, how much?
Or should I RDWHAHB and have a nice low alcohol morning beer?

 

[breez7]

ya you could add some DME or better yet give that beer some more complexity and add a lb of honey just when fermentation begins to slow. It will kick start the fermentation again and give you some more flavors.

just a thought.

 

[Hex23]

You could add more DME, but given the hassle I'd just recommend leaving it as is. It will still be a nice beer. Spend your worries on controlling ferm temps and go brew another!

Also, my basic calc shows that it is probably more like 1.042: (45 * 5 / 5.4) = 41 2/3 gravity points. And your reading of 38/39 is either your hydro needing calibrated or temp adjusted or you may be experiencing the very common difficulties with measuring OG in an extract.

 

[thummel1]

Okay, so the honey really has me interested and I wouldn't mind trying it. Anyone have an opinion if it would be good or disgusting? I'm new to homebrewing so it would be really fun to play around with the recipe.

If I were to add honey, how/when would I add it to the primary? It's only been in there for about 5 hours now. Should I add it to boiling water and cool before I add? Or just add directly? How much honey and/or water should I add?

 

[breez7]

I like adding honey to beers, check out my blog below this post and you will see...It adds some really nice flavors to lighter beers. you can add it at all diff. times.

Honey, like hops, is something you do not have to worry about infection with so dont worry about sanatizing. just wait until your airlock slows down, prob in a day or two and add the honey right into the primary.

Read this: http://northernbrewer.blogspot.com/2011/01/gimme-somethin-sweet.html