Risk of Bottle Bomb FG 1.016?

[derekp83]

Cream Ale recipe, 1.25 gallon, 1.6 lb LME pilsen, 1.3 oz Crystal 40...

OG 1.047
FG 1.016

Primary fermentation 17 days at 68-70 F.

I did not check gravity before bottling though I know it is recommended. Starting to see why I should. Might I have a bottle bomb on my hands? I put them in a big box in case. Despite many forum posts on this topic, is there a definitive gravity window where bottle bombs are likely of less likely?

 

[flars]

Is the FG that you show the estimated FG of the recipe? English strain of yeast? Some English strains will finish up to 1.019 but that makes little difference since you didn't measure the FG with a hydrometer. Seventeen days in the primary is a good length of time for a beer to finish when the yeast pitch has even been just adequate. I would say you may not have a problem unless you think your fermentation did not look good with krausen formation and then clearing in the primary before bottling.

Without a measured FG I would handle the bottles as you are. Treat them with care as if there may be some fermentation in the bottle producing dangerous levels of CO2 pressure. In one week chill a bottle for two days to check the carbonation level. Be careful handling and opening the bottle.

 

[AkTom]

I’m guessing you’re good. Taking sg readings does give you peace of mind.
Cheers

 

[derekp83]

Is the FG that you show the estimated FG of the recipe? English strain of yeast? Some English strains will finish up to 1.019 but that makes little difference since you didn't measure the FG with a hydrometer. Seventeen days in the primary is a good length of time for a beer to finish when the yeast pitch has even been just adequate. I would say you may not have a problem unless you think your fermentation did not look good with krausen formation and then clearing in the primary before bottling.

Without a measured FG I would handle the bottles as you are. Treat them with care as if there may be some fermentation in the bottle producing dangerous levels of CO2 pressure. In one week chill a bottle for two days to check the carbonation level. Be careful handling and opening the bottle.

US-05 yeast and to clarify, I took a gravity reading after bottling (1.016). Recipe assumed around 1.010.

 

[PADave]

You'll be fine. I've had lots of beers finish higher than the predicted FG, never one bottle bomb. Over 2 weeks at that temp with US-05, it's done. As long as it's under 1.020 you're good.

 

[derekp83]

You'll be fine. I've had lots of beers finish higher than the predicted FG, never one bottle bomb. Over 2 weeks at that temp with US-05, it's done. As long as it's under 1.020 you're good.

You made my morning! Lol of course we'll see. At the least, I'm betting I've got a syrupy beer. 1.016 for a cream ale is thick.