Do i go ahead with packaging?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Maestro0708, Aug 14, 2017.

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  1. Maestro0708

    Maestro0708 Initiate (0) Feb 27, 2015 Kentucky

    Hey guys,

    I brewed a saison on 7/22, OG 1.050. I used wyeast 3724, for which i made a starter. I understood that this yeast works slow, so I gave it 3 weeks in the fermenter. I also open fermented. I was planning on bottling today but the gravity reading I took is only 1.020. Is the beer simply not finished? Should I go ahead with bottling or give it more time?

    Thanks!
     
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Normally I'd say we need some details, such as grain bill, mash parameters etc. But in this case, assuming the gravity is accurate, it's safe to say it's not done. Give it more time. I've never had 3724 stall, but it is generally pretty slow. 6 weeks isn't out of the question.

    Also, how are you measuring the gravity?
     
  3. Maestro0708

    Maestro0708 Initiate (0) Feb 27, 2015 Kentucky

    I am measuring with a hydrometer. It is an extract batch, 5.5 gallons with pilsen and wheat DME. I made a 1.5 liter starter and used a yeast nutrient blend. Sample tasted good. I will give it more time. Thanks for the help!
     
  4. utahbeerdude

    utahbeerdude Maven (1,374) May 2, 2006 Utah

    Yes, be patient. This can be one finicky yeast.
     
    JackHorzempa and Maestro0708 like this.
  5. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    It is notorious for being finicky. Here are some tips.
    1. There is some evidence suggesting that this yeast is sensitive to high CO2 partial pressure and does better with an open fermentation. You can approximate these conditions without exposing your beer to contaminants.Remove your airlock or unseal your bucket and cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap. I haven't tried it yet, personally, but check out the experiment on the Experimental Brewing podcast (also probably described in writing on their website).
    2. Control your fermentation temp. This yeast can go pretty hot. Some have said it is prone to stalling if temperature drops during fermentation, so you could try to gradually drive it up. I think this is somewhat consistent with the CO2 idea, as higher temps should help drive out CO2, but some believe this helps it develop flavor, too. For you to try and decide.
    3. Time. Maybe play with some combination of 1 and 2 and give it 2 more weeks. Check gravity again on day 10 and 14.
    4. Consider for next time: Bigger starter? You have a modest gravity and you made a starter. You probably pitched enough yeast. Was it fresh or old? If old, maybe a step up was in order.
    5. For next time, if the above does not satisfy: Extracts tend to finish a little high. Saisons should tend to finish a little dry. Try subbing some sugar for extract to help overcome the extract and get the saison where it wants to be. Start with 10% of the fermentables. It's a Belgian beer, no one will give you grief about the sugar.
     
  6. Maestro0708

    Maestro0708 Initiate (0) Feb 27, 2015 Kentucky


    Thanks for all the tips!

    I did open ferment this beer after reading about the experimental brewing experiment.

    I do not have temp control so the beer is fermenting at room temp, definitely on the low end for the yeast. I have read that warmer temps help it work faster.

    I cant recall the manufacture date of the yeast but i used a starter calculator to be sure I pitched enough yeast.

    I will consider the sugar suggestion for next time and give this beer some more time to finish.

    Cheers!
     
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