andy6026
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*** Thread Updated at End ***
I did my 4th batch on Saturday, but my first AG recipe - Pliny the Elder, a IIPA that targets 8.5% ABV. The brew day seemed to go very smoothly by hitting volumes, temps and timings quite well. I missed the target OG of 1.072 by ten points though and came in at 1.062. I had done a yeast starter of White Labs California Ale yeast (WLP001) and pitched at 68F.
Within 12 hours my blow off tube was bubbling well. However 12-24 hours after that any visible activity stopped. I wasn't sure if there was a small leak where the pail lid closes onto the pail, or somewhere else, or whether it was 'stuck'. On Tuesday afternoon, less than 72 hours after pitching, I succumbed to temptation by opening the pail lid to see what I could see (pic below).
I also took a gravity reading. It was down to 1.020. According to the readings, it dropped 42 points in less than 3 days. Is that normal? Is that possible? I'm sure I stirred it well just prior to taking the OG. I used an electric drill with a paint stirrer attachment for several minutes. I was also sure to put my turkey baster for taking out the samples right to the middle of the pail. Is it likely that despite my attempts to mix well and get accurate readings that I didn't get accurate readings, or does beer really does ferment this fast? I haven't taken another reading yet as I fully intend to leave this alone for at least another week.
Thanks!
I did my 4th batch on Saturday, but my first AG recipe - Pliny the Elder, a IIPA that targets 8.5% ABV. The brew day seemed to go very smoothly by hitting volumes, temps and timings quite well. I missed the target OG of 1.072 by ten points though and came in at 1.062. I had done a yeast starter of White Labs California Ale yeast (WLP001) and pitched at 68F.
Within 12 hours my blow off tube was bubbling well. However 12-24 hours after that any visible activity stopped. I wasn't sure if there was a small leak where the pail lid closes onto the pail, or somewhere else, or whether it was 'stuck'. On Tuesday afternoon, less than 72 hours after pitching, I succumbed to temptation by opening the pail lid to see what I could see (pic below).
I also took a gravity reading. It was down to 1.020. According to the readings, it dropped 42 points in less than 3 days. Is that normal? Is that possible? I'm sure I stirred it well just prior to taking the OG. I used an electric drill with a paint stirrer attachment for several minutes. I was also sure to put my turkey baster for taking out the samples right to the middle of the pail. Is it likely that despite my attempts to mix well and get accurate readings that I didn't get accurate readings, or does beer really does ferment this fast? I haven't taken another reading yet as I fully intend to leave this alone for at least another week.
Thanks!