Stuck Fermentation -- Please Help

[TimmyR]

Going to rehydrate 3 11.5 gram packs of US56 in 1 cup water and pitch tonight. Hold on Scotch Ale - I'm coming.

Side note - Belgian Tripel overran my fermentation lock and still going pretty good (switched to blow-off hose just abit too late)

[TimmyR]

Update - 11/9/06
SG 1.040; OG was 1.108. Sitting at ~ 9% ABV. Tastes clean and a bit on the sweet side. Still bubbling occasionally. Thoughts at this point:

1. Do I throw one more pkg of US56 at it and hope it drys our a bit more? OR is it likely that with that much alcohol it may be better balanced than I realize?

2. Will carbonation be enough to offset sweetness. I think its almost there, I was just targeting 1.020 - 1.030 final, but have no basis except style guide for this goal.

As always, I appreciate the assistance.

[Bugeater]

Considering your OG, this beer is nearing the end of fermentation. I would leave it where it is for at least another month, two if you have enough patience. The yeast will keep working very slowly for quite some time. Once you can't stand waiting any longer, keg or bottle it and let it go another 4-6 months to mellow out and get rid of the alcohol bite that sometimes develops in big beers like this.

A scotch ale will be a little on the sweet side, so don't be concerned if it won't drop lower than 1.030. Carbonation will only hide a little sweetness, so your best bet is to let it sit for awhile. In the meantime, brew a half dozen more batches so you have something to drink while you are waiting.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[TimmyR]

Thanks Wayne. I had a feeling patience was the key. I am mostly concerned that it was sitting too long with the yeast, but at the same time know the yeast is the key to getting it to age and ferment.

I know JZ generally does not rack into a secondary. This beer I racked prematurely and stalled fermentation then pitched the dry yeast later to get it going.

I'll try to give it a month. In the meantime drink my Tripel.

[TimmyR]

OG: 1.108 FG: 1.036

Wouldn't go down any further, so I bottled it. Last bottle was only 3/4 full so I gave it a taste and drank every drop. It was delicious. Hopefully it will carbonate all right; I think it will age well.

Thanks for all the help. Partial mash Pale Ale on deck and my last brew until after I move.