started with low malt in partial mash, can I add more?

[vitALEity]

during the second fermentation. My friend and I are pretty new to homebrewing and for 5 gal. we used 3lbs grain for the partial mash and only 2lbs liquid malt extract. We didnt test the OG but clearly this is going to be a low alcohol beer. We are 2 days into the primary and are wondering if we can pour more malt extract into the second fermentor before transferring the beer to bring the final gravity up?

 

[sudbuster]

Well, i agree with you. Your beer is going to be low alcohal. The maximum OG for your beer is about 1.017. I have no idea what you guys were making. Was it a kit?
Anyway, an average OG for an ale is in the 1.050 range give or take. You need 3 more pounds LME to achieve that. If your fermentor is big enough, a gallon of your beer, mix in 3 lb LME, heat to boiling for 15-20 min. Cool to ferment temp. and pour back into you fermentor. The added volume will change your hop profile though, so adjust for that if you're worried about it. The yeast in the fermenter sould kick it off in a short time. PS. Stir thoroughy!

 

[david_42]

Do is sudbuster's way. If you wait until you transfer, you lose most of the yeast and it will take months to finish.