Desperately Seeking Advice!!

lou30 · Jul 8, 2010

Hello

I have just started homebrewing & have begun with the beer kits. I have followed the instructions as per the packets (St peter's Ruby Red, Woodfordes Wherry), Both are suppose to come out at around 4.5%.

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong....

but when I take a reading with the hydromoeter after the specified fermentation time (4-6days) it reads that it's only 2.6% (1020)

Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated!

Lou

:?:

Sean_Mc · Jul 8, 2010

Hi and welcome to the forum Lou : cheers:

Not done Ruby red, but have done a few Wherry's.
Firstly give them at least 10 days to ferment. My last Wherry started at 1039 and dropped to 1008 giving an ABV of 4.1%, but that's the best I've ever got with it.

Secondly they're buggers for sticking around 1020 as your finding, so give it a good swirl with a large sterilized spoon and try another reading in 4-5days. Only bottle/keg when your under 1015.

Wherry also can take its time to clear, so when primed and its had a week in the warm to secondary ferment give it a good two months somewhere cool to become clear and condition.

Happy brewing Sean

lou30 · Jul 8, 2010

Thanks Sean_MC

That's really useful I was starting to get quite frustrated!

... It has had 9 days so I will give it a good swirl and leave another few days as suggested.

If I barrel it rather than bottle it how long will it keep?

Lou :)

Sean_Mc · Jul 8, 2010

I believe it can last over 12months in a cool dark place...never get that far here

lou30 · Jul 8, 2010

Lol... you make an excellent point! : cheers:

one one question for you... what would you recommend if the swrilling doesn't work? :wha:

Sean_Mc · Jul 8, 2010

You could add some nutrient, but it should get under 1015 on its own.
Make sure the wort temps around 21c when taking your readings.

Horrible waiting around, so get another one started