Second batch in a row, I have had my beer turn out a lot less carbonated than I expected. First was a Ruination Clone, this last one is a Tripel. Both are high alcohol beers. I did not to due OG/FG recordings on the Ruination clone, but I can tell it is atleast 7%. The Tripel is right around 9%. I bottled 3 1/2 weeks ago, adding 1 1/4 cup of sugar to bottling bucket. When I cracked one Saturday, almost completely flat. Tastes great though. What is confusing me is when I cracked open another one at cellar temp, and added one carb tab....FOAM OVER! Doesnt this mean there is CO2 in solution if it foams over when I add sugar? Why is it almost flat when I chill it and pour? I really dont think it is my bottle capper, it is almost new, only about 12 five gallon batches. If not for the foam over, I would have assumed the yeast just got wiped out by the high alcohol after long fermentation/conditioning. If I am getting foam with carb tabs, the idea of making a yeast starter and trying to add to each bottle seems unlikely to be successful (more foam over?).
Its not a dumper, but I sure would like to figure out what Im doing wrong. Thanks.