Slow Fermentation?

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Machine_Ale

Slow Fermentation?

Post by Machine_Ale » Sat Sep 04, 2010 6:38 pm

Hi All,

Just doing my second all mash (now fully bitten by the brew bug) and this time using Brewlab Yorkshire 1 for the first time (used Safale S-04 for all previous extract and first full mash brew), for which I prepared a starter 3 days before brewday. The starter was working well when I pitched it. OG was at target of 1046, but after 6 days it's only dropped to 1028. The fermentation appears to have been progressing well with the usual crust on top and a build up at the bottom of the FV. I haven't taken any other gravity readings so not sure at the current change in gravity. Am I OK to leave it as is, or should I give it a rousing?

This is my first post having just joined , so hope I have all the details, would welcome any suggestions. :)

Details:
Black sheep clone (Graham Wheeler) 23L
Pale Malt 3950
Torrofied Wheat 476
Crystal Malt 330
Black malt 14
Challenger 20
Progress 20
Fuggles 10
Golding 17 - 10 mins before end

All went well on Brew day - starch test after 90min mash showed no starch.
Pitch temp 22 C, Fermentation has been progressing at 20 to 23 C

JackA

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by JackA » Sat Sep 04, 2010 6:49 pm

I used one of Brewlab's yorkshire yeasts (thought it was 2, but could have been 1) and had to rouse to get it going again. I think that's probably your best bet :)

Machine_Ale

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by Machine_Ale » Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:08 pm

Thanks, Jack,

Was just a bit concerned in case it got infected, but will give it a go

196osh

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by 196osh » Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:26 pm

Don't make a starter with dry yeast. Rehydrating the yeast on the day is the best way to go about things. The dry yeast have been given certain nutrients so that they can reproduce easily which will be used up in a starter so in the end you end up with your less yeast in your actual beer.

How long has it been going since your 1028 gravity?

Machine_Ale

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by Machine_Ale » Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:35 pm

Sorry if I wasn't clear.. In the past I used Safale and pitched it right in. This time I used the Brewlab yeast slope Yorkshire 1 for which I made a starter 3 days in advance- all went fine - no signs of any problems. The OG 6 days ago was 1046 at pitching, and today the SG has dropped to 1028. I'm not sure if I really do have a problem..Maybe Brewlab ferments more slowly than Safale?

196osh

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by 196osh » Sat Sep 04, 2010 8:07 pm

Honestly your post was fine.

I must be tired or something thats the second time today I have misread something.

Give it a rouse and see where you go, but next time if growing up from a slant (if you did) give it more than 3 days.

Machine_Ale

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by Machine_Ale » Sat Sep 04, 2010 9:09 pm

Thanks!

A rouse it is..I have a an early brewday planned for tomorrow, so will give it a go - will let you know how it goes.

Really appreciate all the feedback!

Thanks again, Bernie :D

JackA

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by JackA » Sat Sep 04, 2010 11:24 pm

Let us know if it finishes up OK :)

Machine_Ale

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by Machine_Ale » Sun Sep 05, 2010 5:51 pm

The SG had droppped a couple of points to 1025 this morning (though not sure if that's within the accuracy of reading the graduations). Gave it a good rousing first thing and it looks like it's working again.

I'll plot thje SG daily to se how it goes. [-o<

Machine_Ale

Re: Slow Fermentation?

Post by Machine_Ale » Mon Sep 20, 2010 12:25 pm

Hi All,
After the suggested rousing, it fermented out to 1012 which was the recipe target. Quite cloudy when I racked it - but I used Brewlab Yorkshire 1 which has only medium flocculation properties. Kegged it after 5 days with some Harris finings. Will leave it for about 4 weeks before sampling. The taste was OK, though quite yeasty.

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