Persistently STUCK fermentations

[bruce86]

u can use a refracto while fermenting just means doing the calcs. or getting an app that does it for you.

 

[gryphonkd]

OK - perhaps the situation is not quite so bad. Noob with the refracto.
I was not aware that the refracto had to be corrected once fermentation was underway.
So, the corrected gravities are:

Problem Batch 1: Brown Ale - OG 1055, FG 1017 (with calc correction from brix readings)
Problem Batch 2: APA - OG 1068, FG 1022 (with calc correction from brix readings)
corrected using: http://onebeer.net/refractometer.shtml

I tried to verify with the hydrometer, but values were about 5 points higher than the corrected brix calc gave; so i'll shake and let them settle in case the CO2 is floating them 5 points higher.

So while these FGs are a bit high, it looks like more within the range of a minor issue, that I see others encounter too; perhaps a hot mash, or pH off.
What should the pH of the mash be? range?

 

[Online Brewing Supplies]

looks fine. No problems .
Nev

 

[gryphonkd]

So just on this: take the BrownAle, using Wyeast West Yorshire Ale.
http://www.wyeastlab.com/rw_yeaststrain_detail.cfm?ID=189

The yeast specs say attenuation of 67-71% . In my case (55-17)/55 was 69%

Does that mean I really ended up with best case scenario with respect to the limitation of that yeast?
i.e. there was nothing else I could have (or should have) done that would have made the gravity go any lower; temp/mash pH etc.

 

[stux]

If you're mashing at 68C, is 1017 really that surprising?

 

[gryphonkd]

I don't know if it is or isn't - my question is, Theoretically, if the yeast specs claim a maximum of 71% att. ; does that mean a brew with an OG of 1.055 can never have an FG lower than 1.016 ?

 

[wbosher]

Call in an exorsist, your beer shed is possesed mate.