[nateo]

Using this method I can get pH down into the mid 2s. Typically it's 2.5-2.8, which is below what yeast likes. I generally sour wort and blend 50/50 to get my batch pH into the mid 3s. You're looking at around 50% attenuation in the mid 2s, which on a Berliner Weisse or sour Wit is fine, but maybe not on a bigger beer.

[erockrph]

Using this method I can get pH down into the mid 2s. Typically it's 2.5-2.8, which is below what yeast likes. I generally sour wort and blend 50/50 to get my batch pH into the mid 3s. You're looking at around 50% attenuation in the mid 2s, which on a Berliner Weisse or sour Wit is fine, but maybe not on a bigger beer.

Good info. I can't always easily brew on schedule, so I was a bit worried about overshooting on pH. Sounds like I could just add water/DME to get me back to where I wanted if necessary.

[Jimmy K]

I can tell you that a friend did a 36 hour sour mash. It was very tart and still fermented.

[rjharper]

I did a 48 sour mash on a partial boil recipe. The pH dropped to 3.5, then I did the boil for 15 and hopped it.  I pitched a fresh vial of WLP001 and nothing. I figured 3 gal at 1.031 would be sufficient for a direct pitch. After 24 hrs nothing, so I added a cup of WLP001 slurry from a previous batch that had been in the fridge for a bit.  Another 24hrs and nothing. I added some DAP nutirient incase the lacto didnt leave anything. After another 24 hrs, still nothing. So in a last gasp, I "broke the glass" and added my emergencrgy sachet of S05. Finally after 96hrs from first pitch I have active fermentation, but no real krausen to speak of.

OG was 1.031. Lacto took it to 1.022. SG is now down to 1.012 and still going. This thing scared me. My two cents, pitch a lot of active yeast at high krausen and feed with plenty nutrient. The harsh acid environment is not where you want to wake up a bunch of sleepy Sacch...

[kylekohlmorgen]

Using this method I can get pH down into the mid 2s.

Wow, that's impressive! Do you pre-acidify to a certain point?

[nateo]

Using this method I can get pH down into the mid 2s.

Wow, that's impressive! Do you pre-acidify to a certain point?

No pre-souring, just a 1-3L sour starter made from dextrose and base grain kept in the 100*s for a few days. Then I add it to the wort, and keep the wort hot for 2-3 days.

Lately though I've been just taking off the wort that I need from my souring bucket and adding fresh wort to replace it. I don't totally drain the bucket and a lot of the lacto stays stuck to the sides of the bucket. So that's basically like pre-souring I guess.

[kylekohlmorgen]

Ah - like a plastic bucket horny tank. I've been throwing that idea around for awhile. Now Im collecting/enjoying commercial sours for the initial pitch.