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Author Topic: Fermentation stopped short...  (Read 2643 times)

Offline sflynn2nd

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Fermentation stopped short...
« on: January 04, 2010, 07:02:50 am »
1st batch... 49 hours for fermentation to begin. Lager yeast, pitched at 70ºF, fermenting bucket is at 55ºF now, vigourus fermentation for about 30 hours... now nothing ? Any thoughts? Help?

Offline ndcube

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Re: Fermentation stopped short...
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2010, 07:35:55 am »
I'm sure someone will chime in here and tell you that your initial temp was way too high and give better reasons than me.

That said, with a temp that high it may have fermented quickly and be done.  What is the starting & final gravity?

Offline sflynn2nd

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Re: Fermentation stopped short...
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2010, 07:44:32 am »
the initial was at 1.040... I have not rechecked...
Hopefully it's not messed up? Thanks

Offline bluesman

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Re: Fermentation stopped short...
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2010, 07:51:08 am »
Welcome to the AHA forum.

Lagers are usually pitched and fermented around 50F. Your fermentation is probably about finished now. Take a gravity reading and let us know where you're at. Here's a link to review.

http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=766.0

I would pick up a copy of John Palmer's book " How to Brew " or go to his website here for some really good brewing knowledge.

http://www.howtobrew.com/

Good Luck!  8)
Ron Price

Offline sflynn2nd

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Re: Fermentation stopped short...
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2010, 07:56:47 am »
Yes I have the book... and although it may not seem like it but I read it... Hmm my retention must not be where it used to be.
Anyway, I'll check the gravity and post it later.
I was leary of starting with a lager. The recipe/ingredients I used claim that it can be brewed as an ale with favorable results ?
I do not have the list with me.
Thanks for your help,
Chip

Offline ndcube

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Re: Fermentation stopped short...
« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2010, 08:11:01 am »
I did the same as you once (pitching high) with the Cali lager strain from WYeast.

It came out tasting a little buttery but wasn't horrible.

Offline sflynn2nd

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Re: Fermentation stopped short...
« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2010, 09:11:40 am »
"wasn't horrible" sounds pretty good about now !
Thanks,
Chip / sflynn2nd

Offline ndcube

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Re: Fermentation stopped short...
« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2010, 09:53:05 am »
Ha.  I wouldn't worry for your first batch.  Take a hydro reading and give it a taste.

I might let it warm up to the low-mid 60's for a few days.  Maybe the yeasties will clean up off flavors created by the temp drop (if any).