Pliny the Elder - Missed OG by A Few Points - Advice Needed

[ultravista]

I brewed this yesterday and came-in a few points short of the target gravity. Beersmith calculated the OG at 1.072 and I came in at 1.067.

It is fermenting now @ 68F.

The gravity target is close but I am contemplating adding DME or sugar to bring it up.

If you were me, would you leave it as is or hit it with Corn Sugar (Dextrose) or DME while fermentation is active?

If adding Dextrose, would it significantly alter the taste? Beersmith tells me 8 ounces would bring it up to 1.072.

Your thoughts?

 

[PlinyTheMiddleAged]

I'd leave it alone. You're pretty close. And it'll still be beer when finished. I don't think it's worth messing with.

 

[TimBrewz]

I'd leave it.

That said, I have added dextrose or sucrose to fermenting beers to dry them out with success. If you do choose to add sugar, dissolving in a small amount of water will help prevent a possible foam over from the dry crystals providing nucleation sites for the gases in the beer.

 

[BlueHouseBrewhaus]

I wouldn't sweat 5 points. You won't notice the difference in the final beer. That said, a little dextrose probably won't be noticeable either. Once I get over 1060, I've noticed that my efficiency starts to drop. I usually get around 80% efficiency but I've learned that I lose about 4 points of efficiency for every 10 points of OG over 1060. I just take it into account now.

 

[MEPNew2Brew]

I wouldn't do a thing. 5 points on a beer that big isn't much of anything. Also, I try to avoid adding anything once fermentation starts, unless it is absolutely necessary - I fear it will introduce oxygen.

 

[ultravista]

Sampled today, 8 days since brewing, and it is down to 1.006. Coincidentally, it is exactly where it should be as far as attenuation goes. The plan was 1.072 > 1.011 and mine is 1.067 > 1.006 - 61 points.

For 8 day old beer, it is superb. I'll give the yeast a bit more time before starting the dry hop. As awesome as it tastes now, loaded with 5 ounces of dry hops will push this over the top.

I called MoreBeer and discussed the low extraction problem. My C.S. rep said they have had several recent complaints and suspected my grain was from an older less than stellar batch of 2 row. She promptly refunded 100% of my purchase, including 20#'s of 2 row for another beer.

I was not looking for a refund, nor did I ask. What great customer service.

 

[RLinNH]

Sampled today, 8 days since brewing, and it is down to 1.006. Coincidentally, it is exactly where it should be as far as attenuation goes. The plan was 1.072 > 1.011 and mine is 1.067 > 1.006 - 61 points.

For 8 day old beer, it is superb. I'll give the yeast a bit more time before starting the dry hop. As awesome as it tastes now, loaded with 5 ounces of dry hops will push this over the top.

I called MoreBeer and discussed the low extraction problem. My C.S. rep said they have had several recent complaints and suspected my grain was from an older less than stellar batch of 2 row. She promptly refunded 100% of my purchase, including 20#'s of 2 row for another beer.

I was not looking for a refund, nor did I ask. What great customer service.

I love hearing stories of good customer service. Matter of fact, bad customer service is what drove me away from morebeer years and years and years ago.