Under pitch? Can I fix this beer?

[Rod Hobbs]

brewed this wee heavy on the 24th.

brewed this on the 24th

10# GP
7# 2 row
1# Munich
0.5# crystal 140
0.25# black
0.5# melanoidin

Mash 1 hr @ 67C (154 F). Boil 1:45. Recipe was for 60% but I actually got about 73% so OG was 1088.

Pitched one pack safale s04 (rehydrated). Although yeast guarantees about 70 billion cells, most things I’ve read say more like 200 for dry packs.

Anyhow, it fermented like mad for 3 days (needed blow off tube) and now it has slowed to a bubble every 5 sec or so. I’ve read some wee heavies ferment for 2-3 weeks (mine is at 4days now and I doubt will go over a week at this rate) so now I’m wondering if I underpitched and if this will negatively affect the beer. If so, can I shake up the fermentor to aerate and pitch another pack of s04? Is there any benefit to this?

 

[snowtiger1987]

What was your volume? 5 gallons I guess. Yes, you under pitched. However, that is an awfully high mash temp. I would be surprised if this beer finishes under 1.030.

 

[Rod Hobbs]

What was your volume? 5 gallons I guess. Yes, you under pitched. However, that is an awfully high mash temp. I would be surprised if this beer finishes under 1.030.

Yes, 5 gal. Sorry, mash temp was 154 F. Any comment on if this would screw up the beer and if so can I fix it?

 

[dmtaylor]

You didn't underpitch. You're fine. For a wee heavy, I do believe it is a good idea to swirl the fermenter once or twice per day to ensure the utmost attenuation. But is it critical, probably not. Also yes, do give it a few extra days -- it may seem like fermentation has stopped but things could still be going on inside that you cannot see via bubbles or airlock activity. Measure gravity over 4-5 days to ensure it's no longer changing, then it should be ready to package.

Relax. No worries. It's fine. Cheers.