Safale S-04 yeast slow fermentation

[Kalaloch]

Sorry This is a Yeast & Hard Ginger Beer question, I didn’t see a forum for that.

I did a hard ginger beer (5 gallons) with
Safale S-04 yeast and used 5.5 lbs of granulated sugar. The OG was 1.080 and now 20 days later it is only at 1.032. It’s been fermenting at approx. 65-68 degrees. I also added nutritional yeast and I think a little of Yeast Energizer. I pitched yeast into syrup solution that was 120+ degrees so then next day I pitched another packet of same yeast.

The original recipe used 5 lbs of sugar (I used 1/2 lb more) and said it should have an OG of 1.045 and after 2 weeks should have an FG of 0.996 with a ABV of 6.5%.

Questions:

• Do my numbers seem way off for only adding 1/2 lbs of sugar more than the recipe calls for?

• Why it is taking so long to get to OG? (Yes I’ve checked it every week and the gravity readings are still changing).

• If I add more ginger root will that add more sugar for yeast to digest (does ginger root contain sugar)?

 

[bmd2k1]

S04 is typically a pretty fast fermentor for me....goes from 1.05 to 1.01-ish in a week....at mid60s....no nutrients etc added.

1lb sugar in 1gal adds 46 SG points.....so 1/2 pound in 5 gals would only add 4-5points.

I've used S04 in both ice ciders and regular....the former getting into the 11.5% ABV range.

You're at about 6.5% given your #s.

Doesn't answer your ? exactly but hopefully gives a bit of insight.

 

[Kalaloch]

Yes thank you

 

[bmd2k1]

Yes thank you

Have you tasted it? Given its already in the 6.5% range...if it's to your liking or close....maybe its ready to be racked...unless you were looking for a higher ABV.

 

[Kalaloch]

Yes it tastes great but a possibility a little sweet, I’m wondering if there’s residual sugar still left. I’m thinking of pitching Champagne yeast to see if there is sugar left for yeast to eat.

 

[bmd2k1]

What's SG currently? (Is it still changing?)

Do you see any activity in the must and/or airlock?

If no noticeable activity....have ya tried agitating/swirling your vessel?