FG surprisingly low

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Dave S
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FG surprisingly low

Post by Dave S » Sun May 19, 2013 10:05 am

I took a gravity reading yesterday from a Yorkshire style bitter brewed on the 6th May. I was surprised to see it was 1008 from an OG of 1044, since I mashed at 67-68C. The mash pH was slightly low at 5.3, but I would of thought that would much of a difference. I pitched with WLP037 which has only an average attenuation. I was hoping for something around 1012-1013.

Anyone got any ideas as to why this has happened?
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Dave

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Re: FG surprisingly low

Post by Rookie » Sun May 19, 2013 4:28 pm

Dave S wrote:I took a gravity reading yesterday from a Yorkshire style bitter brewed on the 6th May. I was surprised to see it was 1008 from an OG of 1044, since I mashed at 67-68C. The mash pH was slightly low at 5.3, but I would of thought that would much of a difference. I pitched with WLP037 which has only an average attenuation. I was hoping for something around 1012-1013.

Anyone got any ideas as to why this has happened?
How long did you mash? I had a similar situation when I mashed twice as long as usual.
I'm just here for the beer.

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Steveicky
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Re: FG surprisingly low

Post by Steveicky » Mon May 20, 2013 7:37 am

I have had exactly the same problem recently. I think that my issue was caused from trying to re-use a wlp002 yeast that had mutated.

It could also be due to wild yeast getting into your brew.

Dave S
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Re: FG surprisingly low

Post by Dave S » Mon May 20, 2013 9:10 am

Rookie wrote:
Dave S wrote:I took a gravity reading yesterday from a Yorkshire style bitter brewed on the 6th May. I was surprised to see it was 1008 from an OG of 1044, since I mashed at 67-68C. The mash pH was slightly low at 5.3, but I would of thought that would much of a difference. I pitched with WLP037 which has only an average attenuation. I was hoping for something around 1012-1013.

Anyone got any ideas as to why this has happened?
How long did you mash? I had a similar situation when I mashed twice as long as usual.
The usual 90 mins. Maybe I should try 60 next time I brew this.
Best wishes

Dave

Dave S
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Re: FG surprisingly low

Post by Dave S » Mon May 20, 2013 9:12 am

Steveicky wrote:I have had exactly the same problem recently. I think that my issue was caused from trying to re-use a wlp002 yeast that had mutated.

It could also be due to wild yeast getting into your brew.
Hmm, wild yeast is an interesting thought. I guess the proof of the pudding will be in the tasting. The yeast was first use, though it was past the BB date. I did however make a starter which seemed to go OK.
Best wishes

Dave

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Doingatun
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Re: FG surprisingly low

Post by Doingatun » Mon May 20, 2013 9:34 am

Steveicky wrote:I have had exactly the same problem recently. I think that my issue was caused from trying to re-use a wlp002 yeast that had mutated.
Same with one of mine using WLP002 a while back, down to 1:006, happens occasionally.
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Dave S
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Re: FG surprisingly low

Post by Dave S » Mon May 20, 2013 9:52 am

This is the second time I've used WLP037 and the first time wasn't fantastic either. Might stick to Wyeast 1469 in future, though I have saved some slurry from this brew. Oh all right then, I might give one more chance [-o<
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Dave

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Re: FG surprisingly low

Post by Rookie » Sat May 25, 2013 5:01 pm

Dave S wrote:The usual 90 mins. Maybe I should try 60 next time I brew this.
Years ago I switched to a 45 minute mash and didn't see any change in the finished beer.
I'm just here for the beer.

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