I think I know the answer... but...

[Mattyjc]

I started a Betterbrew Yorkshire bitter off on 26th Sept and it is still bubbling away quite well. Ive had trouble controlling the temp as it drops to about 16, so Ive been letting the FV sit in warm water every few days and it brings the temp up again. What worries me, is there appears to be a layer of sugar or similar in the bottom of the FV, in my heart I know I should just leave it alone, but Im also wondering if a bit of a stir would help things? the SG has not really dropped from the original reading of 1.031.

 

[alanywiseman.]

A bit more info would be good. What was the OG, when did you start it?

The yeast should still work at 16C and if it is bubling then that is fine. The layer you are talking about will be yeast so do not stir it, just leave it alone. Whit a bit more info we may be able to help as to why your gravity is not dropping

 

[jonnymorris]

OG was 1.031 which is quite low. If you get down to 1.010 it'll only be 2.8%. That said, if it's not moved from your OG then it's not fermenting. First thing I would do is give it a gently stir to rouse the yeast and then put it somewhere a bit warmer, 18-20 degC ideally. I suspect your yeast may be a bit sleepy at 16degC

 

[Mattyjc]

Thanks for the quick replies. I will get another SG reading tomorrow and see whats happening. Im sure it is fermenting ok, as I have lots of bubbles - a few at 16 deg, loads at 22/24 deg.

 

[jonnymorris]

Missed the original bubbling comment. It's clearly fermenting then.

 

[Mattyjc]

Well, since I posted it seems fermentation has finished, the SG has been 1.003 for 2 days, so I think Im going to chance bottling on Friday. Its quite cloudy, but Im sure that will settle out, though I have got some finings I could drop it.

 

[alanywiseman.]

Is your FG definetly 1.003? It seems very low.