Sluggish fermentation with Omega 004/West Coast yeast?

[hoffmeister]

Hey all--I brewed a west coast IPA (partial mash, OG of 1.065) six days ago, and my airlock is still bubbling intermittently (about every 8 seconds). I used the full package of yeast and pitched into 3 gallons, so there shouldn't be any issues with under-pitching, I followed all of my usual cleaning/sanitation procedures, and it's been kept in a steady 68-70* temperature space, but fermentation never really "took off." Usually after 3-4 days primary is complete and I let the beer rest for another 3-4 before transferring to secondary, but I'm not used to such a slow, sluggish fermentation for a normal strength beer. I've used Omega yeast for other beers, but this is my first time using this particular strain. Is this common? I've been home brewing for quite a while, but this is a new one for me. Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[VikeMan]

Assuming attenuation hasn't finished, there are a few possibilities. IMO, the most likely one would be low-ish yeast viability or vitality. How old was the yeast? How was it handled between the time it was packaged and when you pitched it?

 

[hoffmeister]

It was manufactured in September of this year, so it was pretty fresh. The shop I use is pretty diligent and reputable, and on my end at least, it went straight into the fridge when I got home. I did let it warm up to room temp while I was prepping/brewing (a couple of hours), and my pitching temp was around 75* or so. Strange, right?

 

[Steveruch]

What's the final gravity?

 

[hoffmeister]

What's the final gravity?

According to the app I use, it should finish at 1.103, but since its still going I haven't checked it yet. I'm planning on transferring to a secondary tomorrow or Wednesday anyway (7-8 days after pitching, respectively), so I should have an idea of where its at then.

 

[Steveruch]

According to the app I use, it should finish at 1.103, but since its still going I haven't checked it yet. I'm planning on transferring to a secondary tomorrow or Wednesday anyway (7-8 days after pitching, respectively), so I should have an idea of where its at then.

1.103 or 1.013? I'd give it two weeks in primary then check the gravity. Secondary is totally unnecessary.

 

[hoffmeister]

1.103 or 1.013? I'd give it two weeks in primary then check the gravity. Secondary is totally unnecessary.

Haha, sorry, I meant 1.013 for the FG. I usually do bypass doing a secondary, but I'm planning on dry hopping this one. I usually like to dry hop in a bucket, instead of a carboy, as it's easier to get the bag of hops out during cleaning.