The saga begins

[avisler]

ok as previously stated user error is probable so fully suspecting insufficient mixing may be the culprit.
however confused with regard to refractometer as it has a sg scale on it so i would have presumed (yes presumption is the mother of all muck ups) that the measured sg's from the two devices would/should be similar.
if this is not the case is there definative guide i could be pointed in the direction of ?.

i do appreciate all help.
john

 

[Larse]

ok as previously stated user error is probable so fully suspecting insufficient mixing may be the culprit.
however confused with regard to refractometer as it has a sg scale on it so i would have presumed (yes presumption is the mother of all muck ups) that the measured sg's from the two devices would/should be similar.
if this is not the case is there definative guide i could be pointed in the direction of ?.

i do appreciate all help.
john

If it's insufficient mixing, the denser liquid would fall to the bottom of the fermenter. So in effect you would have two 'layers' of wort with different SGs. If you're taking your samples from the bottom, then the readings would be higher and if from the top, lower.

You could test this hypothesis by doing exactly that. Taking samples from both layers if possible.

 

[avisler]

yes all measurements have been from the tap except for og measurement before adding yeast. i shall take readings from top and bottom later today.

 

[avisler]

okay took a sample from top of brew reading is the same as from tap. any further suggestions would be a boon.
or should i just bottle and hope ?

 

[Larse]

The only other likely reason is the yeast. Don't know what yeast is included with that kit, should be a lager yeast, but they often use an ale yeast instead because lager yeasts generally need lower temperatures to work and a beginner would likely not have the kit to control a low temp.

Edit: Have looked up that kit and fermentation temp is 18°-24°, so could be a lager yeast although on the high side for that. More likely ale. Did the beer develop a high krausen (head) when fermenting initially?

 

[avisler]

to be honest once the lid went on i did not open it till today. all draw off for measurements was done through the tap.

 

[Larse]

to be honest once the lid went on i did not open it till today. all draw off for measurements was done through the tap.

That can be problematic as the draw off can pull the liquid out of the airlock and into the beer. Then you've no longer got an airlock.

 

[LeeH]

You’ll end up with no beer left at this rate.

 

[avisler]

very true. although it does just taste like flat lager so it has not gone to waste :).
now i suppose the question is do i.
a: give it a thorough stir and leave a few days
b: just leave it a few more days
c: bottle and hope it still gets fizzy (alcohol content will be low probably)

 

[Larse]

very true. although it does just taste like flat lager so it has not gone to waste :).
now i suppose the question is do i.
a: give it a thorough stir and leave a few days
b: just leave it a few more days
c: bottle and hope it still gets fizzy (alcohol content will be low probably)

a: If going to stir it, maybe add a tsp of yeast nutrient.
b: Then definitely leave for a few days. Probably a week.
c: When you bottle, you'll be adding some sugar for conditioning, so its current state shouldn't be an issue.

 

[avisler]

ok the plan is complete.
yeast nutrient purchased. so will see if i can get it moving using that and a good stir.
still leaning towards the fact that i may not have stirred thouroughly enough before adding yeast.
next brew i shall beat it like it owes me money

as always advice and comments are greatly appreciated