Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Fermentation stopped  (Read 1805 times)

Offline Brewmeisters

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 108
Fermentation stopped
« on: November 15, 2017, 03:28:39 am »
we brewed a Russian Imperial Stout on Friday.
Fermentation started on Saturday, it stopped last night.
The yeast we used was a Sarfale S-04 with a temperature range from 64-75 degrees.
The ambient temperature of the basement is 60, along with the fementer temp.
Is it possible that the yeast has gone to sleep?
Can we bring the temp back up to restart fermentation or is it over?
When you brew, brew with a happy heart.

Offline swampale

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 114
Re: Fermentation stopped
« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2017, 04:51:54 am »
Did you check the current gravity?

Offline Brewmeisters

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 108
Re: Fermentation stopped
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2017, 07:01:00 am »
No, just found this news out. We’ll do that, and check the ABV
When you brew, brew with a happy heart.

Offline pete b

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 4150
  • Barre, Ma
Re: Fermentation stopped
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2017, 07:40:38 am »
If you are basing the conclusion that fermentation stopped on just visual information i.e. there is no longer krausen then chances are its still fermenting. The krausen typically falls away after a few days but it is still fermenting.
Take a gravity reading with sanitized equipment today then again in 2 days. If the gravity is lower the second time its definitly still fermenting.
If there has been no big temperature swings where the fermenter is I would actually wait another week before testing because I doubt very much that fermentation stopped.
Don't let the bastards cheer you up.

Offline BrewBama

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 6076
Re: Fermentation stopped
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2017, 08:04:25 am »
It is not unusual for S-04 to complete fermentation in four days. http://www.fermentis.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/SafAle-S-043.pdf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline pete b

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 4150
  • Barre, Ma
Re: Fermentation stopped
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2017, 09:08:22 am »
It is not unusual for S-04 to complete fermentation in four days. http://www.fermentis.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/SafAle-S-043.pdf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not sure what the gravity is here but its a RIS so maybe a little longer.
OP: even if terminal gravity is reached its good to leave in the fermenter for a couple weeks before bottling as even though fermentation may be complete the yeast still "cleans up" off flavors produced during fermentation.
Don't let the bastards cheer you up.

Offline Brewmeisters

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 108
Re: Fermentation stopped
« Reply #6 on: November 16, 2017, 01:58:11 am »
The wort entered fermenter at 79 degrees with an OG of 1.070.
With the lowered temp we think fermentation has slowed but is still active.
There's no way we're going to bottle without a definite assurance that fermentation is complete.
Is a gravity check the best way to know?
I was given the advice to let it sit in the primary fermenter for 3 weeks, to let everything settle.
Good advice?
« Last Edit: November 16, 2017, 02:03:21 am by Brewmeisters »
When you brew, brew with a happy heart.

Offline mainebrewer

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 594
Re: Fermentation stopped
« Reply #7 on: November 16, 2017, 04:10:04 am »
A gravity check is the only way to know if fermentation has finished.
If you decide to leave the beer in the fermenter for 3 weeks, it will be absolutely fine.
"It's not that people are ignorant, it's just that they know so much that just isn't true." Ronald Reagan

Offline denny

  • Administrator
  • Retired with too much time on my hands
  • *****
  • Posts: 27134
  • Noti OR [1991.4, 287.6deg] AR
    • Dennybrew
Re: Fermentation stopped
« Reply #8 on: November 16, 2017, 08:40:07 am »
The wort entered fermenter at 79 degrees with an OG of 1.070.
With the lowered temp we think fermentation has slowed but is still active.
There's no way we're going to bottle without a definite assurance that fermentation is complete.
Is a gravity check the best way to know?
I was given the advice to let it sit in the primary fermenter for 3 weeks, to let everything settle.
Good advice?

Holy crap....if you pitched at 79F it likely finished fermentation in just a few days.  Do a gravity check.
Life begins at 60.....1.060, that is!

www.dennybrew.com

The best, sharpest, funniest, weirdest and most knowledgable minds in home brewing contribute on the AHA forum. - Alewyfe

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell