Difficulties With Milkstout

[notung]

Greetings all, perhaps somebody will be able to lend some advice...

I have a sweet milk stout in the works, which I've been using a "Mackinson Stout" recipe for (from the green Brewcraft book). I used:

- Munton's export stout kit
- Brewcraft #30 milk stout booster
- 500g lactose
- safale yeast
(FINAL VOL. 20L)

I arrived at an OG of 1057, a tad more than the 1052 that the recipe forsees. The brew appears to have come to a complete stop at SG 1036, and I am not sure what to do... I have given the vat a firm shake, and redoubled my efforts to keep it comfortably (but not too) warm, and the SG's have not shifted.

Anyway, this didn't seem quite right, and I would love any advice people may have... Any way to salvage the brew?

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[Mr Bond]

Probably the lactose keeping the FG up as it is unfermentable(yeast cant chew it)

If its stable(FG) 2 days or more then its done

 

[razz]

I concur with Brauluver. I don't know how much lactose is in the brewcraft booster, but coupled with the 500g lactose that's a lot of unfermentables ! Your brew is completely salvageable. Perhaps try another packet of yeast, but if it's finished then that's it. If it's to sweet then thin it down with some boiled/cooled water until you get the gravity you are after. By my calculations if you wanted a FG of 1.020 you would need 16 lts or FG 1.025 add 8.8 lts. good luck :beerbang:

 

[notung]

Many thanks for the advice!!

That sounds most likely in the case of the lactose. It is a shame and all, because I high wound up with a less potent stout (around 3.6%), but the taste should still be deliciously thick & sweet. Bottling occurs today!