Shot way past expected FG... hummm

[MuchoGusto]

Started the Texas Bock mini-mash from AHS 2 weeks ago. Everything by the book. The recipe projected an OG of 1.045. I hit it right on the mark. Pitched WLP833 German Bock with an attenuation rate of 70 - 76%. No starter. Recipe projected a FG of 1.012. I hit 1.005. Both SG's taken at room temp. Once fermentation began at 72 degrees I cooled it down slowly over a day to 52-53 degrees and held it there for 11 days in my converted frig. Raised the temp slowly over a day to 68 degrees and held it there for 2 days. Transferred to secondary and took a SG reading. 1.005, as I said. That translates into an attenuation rate of appx. 88%

White Labs projects 70-76%. 1) How accurate is their prediction? 2) Any ideas as to the lower FG than expected. I can read a hydrometer as I hold a biology degree so we can rule out that concern. The stuff smells great... pretty strong alcohol taste, though.

 

[TopherM]

Attenuation rate is an average, not firm boundries. Every fermentation is different.

The only real effects of your low FG is that the beer is going to have a bit more ABV and a bit thinner, dryer body, which will probably be a good thing in the Bock style.

Enjoy the final product, it is going to be fine!

 

[soopagloo]

My experience with that kit is almost exact. I made the ag kit and sg was about 1.042, fg at 1.002. Still smells and tastes good. Can't wait until I can carb it up and try the final product. I think we'll be ok.

 

[soopagloo]

Side note, my sg came in a bit lower due to me being stubborn and adding a bit more water pre boil so i could pull a bit higher from my kettle and leave more trub behind.