Homebrew has defeated me :(

Ale House Rock · Nov 7, 2024

I started using a thermostatic hest pad recently. I quickly learned that ensuring the temperature sensor is securely attached to the side of the FV is vital. To this end, I have put a piece of plastic packaging (bubble wrap would also do) over the sensor to get good, tight contact with FV before securing with the belt. I leave it for 30 mins to stabilise then switch on. Set the temp to 22. Once the display indicates 22, check the temp of you wort with a thermometer to give an indication of how accurate your sensor is. Adjust setting on heat pad if necessary. I also secure the sensor to the FV with sellotape as if it slips out your heat pad will switch on depending on the temperature of the room rather than your beer. Another handy rule of thumb is 2+2+2. 2 weeks to ferment, 2 weeks to carbonate, 2 weeks to condition. Patience is your best friend.

An Ankoù · Nov 7, 2024

Is the OP having a laugh? He's been asked for the recipe and details of his procedure.
Neither forthcoming as far as I can see. There's something on another thread referring to MJ IPA kit, I think.
It's hardly coherent.
Honestly, it's like getting blood from a stone!

MashBag · Nov 7, 2024

That thought had crossed my mine. It could indeed be a windup.

Sandimas · Nov 7, 2024

Can you remember what size yeast packet came with your kits?

Many years ago there was a whole load of threads on here about the infamous "1020 stuck brews", it was often concluded that it was due to the small 6g yeast packets coming with kits. Some kit manufacturers increased the yeast to 12g to prevent this, but many kits stuck with 6g: those are the ones that tend to stick at 1020, you really need 12g of yeast with a 23L brew.

Try another kit and, if it comes with a 6g yeast packet, substitute it for a 12g one. Yeasts such as S-04 or US-05 for hoppy kits will do, and are very reliable yeasts. And keep it warm enough as others have said.

Larse · Nov 7, 2024

An Ankoù said:
Is the OP having a laugh? He's been asked for the recipe and details of his procedure.
Neither forthcoming as far as I can see. There's something on another thread referring to MJ IPA kit, I think.
It's hardly coherent.
Honestly, it's like getting blood from a stone!

He started another thread with more info here.

Maybe a mod could combine them?

Bitter_Dave · Nov 7, 2024

I think this is a simple yeast issue. Complicated explanations, like water etc., don't ring true. It's not complicated to get kits to ferment out in most circumstances. Some of these kits have small packets of yeast that are better suited to fermenting a kilo of sugar + the kit, and it seems he is using male extract. Either that or the hydrometer is not being read correctly. When people report very low OGs for kits I do wonder. Hydrometers can be bit confusing at first.

Larse · Nov 7, 2024

Bitter_Dave said:
I think this is a simple yeast issue. Complicated explanations, like water etc., don't ring true. It's not complicated to get kits to ferment out in most circumstances. Some of these kits have small packets of yeast that are better suited to fermenting a kilo of sugar + the kit, and it seems he is using male extract. Either that or the hydrometer is not being read correctly. When people report very low OGs for kits I do wonder. Hydrometers can be bit confusing at first.

Very hard to find out how much yeast comes with those kits. I found another thread from 2021 about that exact kit and back then it was 5g according to the OP. Same problem encountered although FG was a bit lower.

Druss · Nov 7, 2024

Do we know if he added the obligatory kilo (or however much it may be for the specific kit) of sugar before fermenting?

It may well be a silly question, but looking through the thread so far, it hasn't been explicitly stated at any point other than an implication covered by the statement "followed the instructions".

An OG of 1030 sounds more like only the malt was added, at least to my (admittedly, still rather green to beer brewing) mind.

MashBag · Nov 7, 2024

Druss said:
It may well be a silly question, but looking through the thread so far, it hasn't been explicitly stated at any point other than an implication covered by the statement "followed the instructions".

Very good question.
The details are missing.
But this is why it is beginning to sounds like a windup.

Tbh of our is a windup it is working

full marks!

Here's a thought... 2 threads... Is it a bet with his mates as to how many replies he can get

Larse · Nov 7, 2024

Druss said:
Do we know if he added the obligatory kilo (or however much it may be for the specific kit) of sugar before fermenting?

It may well be a silly question, but looking through the thread so far, it hasn't been explicitly stated at any point other than an implication covered by the statement "followed the instructions".

An OG of 1030 sounds more like only the malt was added, at least to my (admittedly, still rather green to beer brewing) mind.

Apparently he did. It's on the other thread he started.

Shaun-p said:
It was a Mangrove Jacks Brewers Series 40 Pint Pale Ale and recommended using Mangrove Jacks 1.5kg Pure Liquid Malt Extract - Light or sugar. I went for the extract.

Druss · Nov 7, 2024

Larse said:
Apparently he did. It's on the other thread he started.

Ah, I didn't see that one

Shaun-p · Nov 7, 2024

An Ankoù said:
Is the OP having a laugh? He's been asked for the recipe and details of his procedure.
Neither forthcoming as far as I can see. There's something on another thread referring to MJ IPA kit, I think.
It's hardly coherent.
Honestly, it's like getting blood from a stone!

I'm literally just following the instructions on the box.

Shaun-p · Nov 7, 2024

Druss said:
Do we know if he added the obligatory kilo (or however much it may be for the specific kit) of sugar before fermenting?

It may well be a silly question, but looking through the thread so far, it hasn't been explicitly stated at any point other than an implication covered by the statement "followed the instructions".

An OG of 1030 sounds more like only the malt was added, at least to my (admittedly, still rather green to beer brewing) mind.

Yes, the instructions said add pure liquid malt extract or sugar and I went for the extract.

Larse · Nov 7, 2024

Shaun-p said:
I'm literally just following the instructions on the box.

I get that. A lot of the problems posters are having is the two threads. I'm hoping a mod can combine them to end the confusion.

The general consensus is that the yeast is the issue. I linked another thread above which concerns someone having the same problem with the same kit and noting that there was only 5g of yeast included in it. That's far too little for a 23l brew.

Shaun-p · Nov 7, 2024

Bitter_Dave said:
I think this is a simple yeast issue. Complicated explanations, like water etc., don't ring true. It's not complicated to get kits to ferment out in most circumstances. Some of these kits have small packets of yeast that are better suited to fermenting a kilo of sugar + the kit, and it seems he is using male extract. Either that or the hydrometer is not being read correctly. When people report very low OGs for kits I do wonder. Hydrometers can be bit confusing at first.

I don't think the hydrometer is the problem. My first two real ale kits the OG did go down (or whatever). I think the issue with the ipas is that they never really started fermenting. Not many bubbles on the beer or the airlock. Of course everyone here says not to bother about the airlock.

Shaun-p · Nov 7, 2024

MashBag said:
Very good question.
The details are missing.
But this is why it is beginning to sounds like a windup.

Tbh of our is a windup it is working full marks!

Here's a thought... 2 threads... Is it a bet with his mates as to how many replies he can get

My apologies for asking for help.

Larse · Nov 7, 2024

Shaun-p said:
I don't think the hydrometer is the problem. My first two real ale kits the OG did go down (or whatever). I think the issue with the ipas is that they never really started fermenting. Not many bubbles on the beer or the airlock. Of course everyone here says not to bother about the airlock.

Well that's useful information. Did you get a gravity reading at the start? If it's stuck at 1020, it clearly did ferment for a while. Just not completely. Which again comes back to the yeast.

My advice is to get another yeast. Something like Fermentis US-05 and make a starter from it. About 200g of DME (225 of LME would also work) and about 1.5 - 2 litres of water. Heat it up until all the DME/LME is dissolved, cool to about 21° and stir vigorously to aerate before adding the yeast. Cover with tinfoil and leave, stirring regularly (with a sanitised spoon) until it shows a good head of krausen. Stir again and pitch in your beer.

You don't have to make a starter, but I think the yeast might struggle with such a relatively low SG wort.

Stu's Brews · Nov 7, 2024

@Shaun-p - do you still have the instructions and/or kit packaging? If you could post a picture it might help people understand exactly what you have done and where any problems may lie.

Larse · Nov 7, 2024

They're not very helpful tbh. Very generic instructions, (seem to be repeated on all their packs) plus a few indicators specific to that brew. Google image search brought these up. The instructions are the exact same for the Golden Ale (L) and American Pale Ale (R).

crescent city Mike · Nov 7, 2024

Sounds like you could use a mentor. Check about the forum to find a member in your area. Invite him/her over on a scheduled brew day and see if your "normal" way of doing things aligns with "normal'. A second set of eyes can do wonders in ironing out problems.

Homebrew has defeated me :(

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