Russian Imperial Stout Questions

[esorkered]

I started a russian imperial stout a week ago. The original gravity was 1.087. I used White Labs San Deigo Super Yeast, which is supposed to be a very fast fermenting yeast, and did a 1.5L starter. I just checked the gravity and its around 1.033. I'm thinking this might be a bit high. What do you guys think? Is this low enough? I plan on leaving it in the primary for another week or two and then moving it to the secondary for at least 3-4 months. Should I do anything to get the gravity lower or should this be good enough?

On a side note, I drank the sample and I think it might be really good when its finished. The alcohol bite is a bit overwhelming right now but I'm hoping that will decrease over time. I'm really excited to try this one.

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

let it sit longer in primary, those last few gravity points may take a little while to drop with a brew that size. 1.018-1.030 is the BJCP guidelines for FG in a RIS, so you're close. since it's only been a week and that's a beer that takes time, just let it sit for a bit. you could also warm it up a few degrees to encourage the yeast to stay in suspension a bit longer.

 

[gingerdawg]

Do not rush a RIS! Let it go. 5-6 month bulk aging is common with big beers like RIS

 

[user 4295]

1.087 to 1.033 is only 60% apparent attentuation. That yeast strain is capable of a 76-83% attenuation. It's not done yet, or you underpitched. The Mr. Malty pitching calculator states that for an ale of 5 gallons with an OG of 1.087 that you should have used 2 vials to make the starter. 1L if using a stir plate or continuous aeration. 1.2L if using intermittent shaking. 1.65L if using simple starter with O2 at the start, and 2.2L if using only a simple starter.

I don't do a lot of high gravity brews, so maybe someone will chime in with some good advice on how to proceed.

 

[esorkered]

I only used one vial in 1.5L. Will it just take longer or will I need to add more yeast?

 

[Calder]

Too late to add more yeast. You have used up the O2, and it will not reproduce.

I assume you aerated well. Not aerating can stall the beer.

Do you have it at a decent temperature. Too cold, and the yeast will go dormant. If it's on a floor, the floor temp is more important than the air temp.