New guy

[E5B]

Howdy, I justed my second batch (Irish Stout). After I pitched the yeast and sealed it up I realized I over looked something. The instructions said to top with 5 gallons of cold water (6 US gallons). It's on it's 6th day now and done percolating. My question is: when I add the priming sugar, should I add a little more water to it, or just leave it be?

 

[El Pistolero]

I'd say just leave it be, but how much short of 5 gallons were you?

 

[E5B]

It's right at the 5 gallon mark on the bucket, but the instructions said 6. Got a little ahead of myself.

 

[El Pistolero]

Just leave it be then...your beer will just be a bit stronger than you'd planned, but it will still be good beer.

 

[E5B]

Thanks for the input. Absolutely nothing wrong with a 'stronger' beer. I'm looking forward to bottling it tonight.

 

[DeRoux's Broux]

you can also add a tad when you rack it to secondary. just use pre-boiled and cooled H20. or, as EP said, let 'er ride!

either way, it'll be a quafer!!!

 

[El Pistolero]

It's on it's 6th day now and done percolating.

I'm looking forward to bottling it tonight.

You say it's done percolating, but are you sure it's done fermenting? Is there any krauzen left, or has it all fallen? Are you using an hydrometer? Particularly since your OG was 16% higher than anticipated, you want to make sure that fermentation is done, or you risk over-carbonating when you bottle. Just a thought.

 

[E5B]

I used a hydrometer for the OG (1.040). Once it's done percolating is it safe to open it up to take a look. How does one really know when fermenting is complete? The book mentions using a hydrometer to make sure the FG is constant but doesn't mention when to take the readings.

Bare with me fellas...


Beetle

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

I wouldn't add anything. It sounds like you make an excellent mistake! Most kits taste pretty watery if you add as much water as it says to. Good work!

 

[El Pistolero]

For an OG of 1.040, you'd like the SG to get down to around 1.012 or so. If it's not there yet, then take readings a couple or three days in a row to see if it's still dropping. If it's not dropping it's done, or if it's at say 1.010 then it's for sure done.

Or, you can take the low tech path, and just let it sit two weeks or so before bottling.

 

[E5B]

Just took a reading (1.020) and there was no foam left on top. Is that what you mean by Krauzen?

I'll take another reading tomorrow.

 

[DeRoux's Broux]

yep. that's the rocky head formed during fermentation. if it where me, i'd let it sit a few more days prior to racking....

 

[E5B]

After a week in the primary I racked into the secondary. It has a great aroma, so I hope it tastes as good as it smells.

 

[DeRoux's Broux]

cool. maybe you'll get to crack a few before you blaze....