Slow fermentation

[ozzyatfrbrich]

Brewed my first batch 15 days ago and the OG was 1.061. The airlock, a 3 piece, appears to have stopped bubbling so I planned to transfer it to a secondary but it looks like it is still be working. The gravity was 1.022 so I sealed it back up.

It started as Orfy’s OSH but added a little extra DME added.

Light DME 6 lb
Lyles Syrup 14 oz
Dememera sugar 3 oz
60 Crystal 12oz
Northern 1½ oz
EK Golding’s ½ oz
EK Golding’s ¼ oz
Irish Moss 1 Tsp
WL -005 1 vial

It has been fermenting between 63 and 66° F (most of the time at 64° F).

It looks a little darker than OSH, smells and taste good (a little sweet).

I’m looking for some guidance from all of you. Do I just leave it in primary and move to secondary later? Do I skip secondary all together? How long is too long in primary?

Thanks.
Kenny

 

[BeerSmith]

Kenny,
I would move it to the secondary - there's usually no harm in moving it to the secondary this late in the game.

I probably would not bottle/keg it until the FG gets lower.

Was it an all grain or extract recipe?

Brad

 

[BierMuncher]

Yep. The secondary can't hurt. Keep in mind that all grain recipes are always lighter than extract versions. Don't worry about the color.

The final gravity will be what it will be.

I'd say as long as you're allowing a total of 2-3 weeks of fermetnation/conditioning, you're final gravity will be reached. Right now you're at a 5.1% beer so that's not too bad. English ales like OSH tend to be sweeter so a higher finishing gravity is a good thing.

 

[ozzyatfrbrich]

Thanks. It was a dry extract. I will move to secondary and maybe bottle next weekend. That will give me a little more time to collect a few more 16 oz Hobgoblin bottles. A Goblin is planned for my next batch!

 

[BeerSmith]

Yes,
An extract will often finish at a higher gravity than all grain. I would give it some time before bottling to be sure.

Cheers!
Brad

 

[ozzyatfrbrich]

Update to my adventure……………..
It spent 15 days in the primary and it has been in secondary for 14 days. I had about 1/16” of light foam on the surface. I added digital temperature controller and raised the temp to 67F to 68F – 68 F. The temperature strip on the carboy shows 70F. I currently have activity in the airlock and there is about 3/8” of light foam on the surface. I am thinking that my temperature dropped to <62F, the yeast fell out of suspension and I did not have the ability to raise the temperature at that time. I will check the gravity in a few days.

 

[ozzyatfrbrich]

I believe it finished. The gravity has dropped to 1.012. I had about 1/2 pint after the gravity check, it is somewhat bitterer than I expected (maybe a little harsh). Being lazy today, I left it in the secondary and will bottle next weekend. It is very clear, has a nice color and smells great. Over all I am happy with my first batch. I already have everything for my next two batches, a Hobgoblin and a Saison.

Thanks all for the support!

 

[BeerSmith]

Good news!

Best wishes for your future brewing success!

Brad

 

[ozzyatfrbrich]

Bottled my first batch today and it went smoother than I though it would, only one surprise. The red hand capper could handle 16oz Hobgoblin bottles. Now to wait 3 weeks, it has already been 6 so 3 ought to be a cakewalk.