Over attenuated?

[mimo777]

So the all grain batch I brewed last wednesday is down to 1008 from 1054. The estimated final gravity was around 1010-1015. I used 11lbs of pale malt to make a 5 gallon batch. Is this overattenuated? It is quite dry and has little hops taste to it. I'm going to bottle tomorrow. Did I screw it up?

 

[Yooper]

Well, my answer has to be a question- where did the figure for the estimated Fg come from? If you estimated the FG based on the yeast strain's probably attenuation, your ingredients, and your mash temperature, then it's possible that you made a mistake in estimating the probable FG.

If it came from Beersmith or other software, then it won't be accurate. Beersmith just gives you a 75% attenuation guestimate, no matter what the yeast strain or ingredients or mash temp is.

In my last beer, I also got a 1.008 FG. But that was because I mashed (on purpose!) at 150, and used a highly attenuative yeast strain.

Ingredients play a huge part in the FG, as does the mash temperature. If you used some unfermentables like lactose in the beer, or less fermentable ingredients, you'd have a higher FG. If you mashed at a higher temperature, then you'd have a higher FG.

If you did mash at a high temperature and still got 1.008, I'd double check the calibration of the thermometer.

 

[mimo777]

the mash temp was closer to 150 so that could be it

 

[Yooper]

the mash temp was closer to 150 so that could be it

Yeah, that's probably it!

 

[permo]

List the recipe, let us know what style you are brewing. I have an APA going that is on the hoppy end of the scale that is currently sitting at 1.009 from 1.052 and I am quite pleased with where it is at.

I mashed this brew at 155, but I used pacman, which is a notorius attenuator.

 

[lumpher]

If it came from Beersmith or other software, then it won't be accurate. Beersmith just gives you a 75% attenuation guestimate, no matter what the yeast strain or ingredients or mash temp is.

beersmith has 75% as a default. i've used it for a while, know my usual attenuation, and change it. not wrong, just wrong by programmed default ( like any brewing program ) . otherwise, a good program. i also have promash, but never bothered to use it

 

[joety]

The lack of noticeable hops is likely not related to the attenuation. With a less sweet/malty beer, the hops should actually be more apparent.