When do I start to Worry?

[Trapaddict]

I bottled a batch of ale three weeks ago and I am getting essentially zero carbonation. I am hearing a butterfly fart when I pop a cap but nothing that I would call real carbonation. Yes, I did add the sugar and did stir it in well. The other batches I have made were well carbonated after two to three weeks using the same techniques. If I wait another two to three weeks and I still have no oomph, can I open all the bottles and keg it?

 

[God Emporer BillyBrew]

You should be able to keg and force carb at this point with no problem. What temp are you keeping the bottles at? wouldn't think it would be a problem this time of year, but maybe your wife is like mine and keeps the thermostat set to cold for you to carb properly.

 

[Trapaddict]

Well, I am keeping it in the basement. It's probably in the low 60'sdown there anyway. Is there a recommended temp to carbonate at?

 

[homebrewer_99]

Yes, above 70.

 

[david_42]

Alternately, buy some carb drops, open each bottle, add drops and re-cap.

 

[Lou]

Alternately, buy some carb drops, open each bottle, add drops and re-cap.

carb drops are just sugar, no?
sounds like there's a problem with yeast quantity or quality (due to temp, possibly) as opposed to sugar.....

does the beer taste sweet?

 

[God Emporer BillyBrew]

I think you need to move them to an upstairs closet before you try anything else.

 

[Trapaddict]

It does tase a bit sweeter than what I would expect but I assumed that was due to the fact that the priming sugar had not been consumed yet. I'm going to bring it all upstairs for a couple weeks and see how that goes. Is there a limit to how warm is too warm to carbonate at? The brew was maintained at 66-72 degrees or so prior to bottling. Can I put the bottles in an 80 plus environment for a week or so without harm?