Finally started my Irish Red Ale

[TAS123]

As the title suggests I've started my IRA...

The recipe:
1.7Kg Coopers Australian pale ale
500g Light dry malt
100g Crystal malt
50g Roasted barley
Yeast that came with the kit

Everything's in the FV now and I've just taken a gravity reading; 1034 (Does this seem a bit low?)

 

[BIGJIM72]

Did you steep your grain in hot water at all or just add it straight to the FV?

I can kits usually need 1kg of fermentables added (BKE/spraymalt/brewing sugar)

1030 does sound rather low.

 

[TAS123]

Yes put the grain in 2L of water and boiled for 5mins and steeped for 30mins.

The recipe I used is from the Coopers website so that is why I only added the 500G of malt.

I suppose its to late to add any more now so will just have to keep my fingers crossed and see how it goes.

 

[BIGJIM72]

Sounds like it will be a tasty,if not the strongest brew ever.

 

[TAS123]

Another question....

I've just gone and checked the brew and the room it's in feels quite cold 15-16C. The temp strip on the FV says the brew is between 20-22C. I don't know how accurate the stick on thermometer strips are.... Should I move it into a warmer room or do you think it'll be fine where it is?

It's got about 1/2cm of foam on the surface of the beer so at least I know it's doing something.

 

[bunkerbrewer]

I've just gone and checked the brew and the room it's in feels quite cold 15-16C. The temp strip on the FV says the brew is between 20-22C. I don't know how accurate the stick on thermometer strips are

Not very accurate!

But the action of the yeast causes the temperature of the brew to rise naturally (fermentation is exothermic), so I wouldn't be surprised if your FV is warmer than ambient right now.

You can wrap a blanket or two around the FV to help keep it warm.

 

[TAS123]

It has a blanket and old quilt over it ATM so should be warm enough... I think I'll just leave well alone!

I just moved my sons alarm clock (it has a built-in thermometer) into the room and the temp is 13.8C... Brrrrr thought it felt cold in there!

 

[TAS123]

Update:

On Sunday I noticed there was no airlock activity and the FV lid was not domed anymore and there is sediment on the bottom. I took a hydrometer reading and got 1012. Took another one today and got the same reading.

Do you think it's finished? I just expected the reading to be a bit lower!

And should I move it to a cooler room to clear now or leave it for a few more days in the warm?