High FG

[JoshT3]

Hi all,

 

Beer has been fermenting for just over a week now, tested the FG today and got about 1010-1012. Tested it 2 days ago and it was 1014 so just wondering if it's finished or do I need to leave it longer? Can I bottle?

[Muddy Waters]

Hi Josh,

 

Not knowing what you are brewing and what fermentables, yeast etc, you are using it is hard to advise what your FG should be.

 

Once you have stable readings over a couple of days you are ready to bottle. Check it again in a day or two and if you get the same reading it is done.

[JoshT3]

Oh yes the type of beer would've been helpful. Just the lager that comes with the kit. I've already bottled now anyway so ill have to hope for the best.

[AndrewC5]

He used brewing sugar too :D 1kg i believe? haha

 

You'll be fine mate. Now comes the waiting game :D

[JoshT3]

Andeeey... Yes I did use brewing sugar but from all the stuff I've heard I think i'll be using something else next time to try for a better result! Oh and I very much dislike the waiting game [crying]

[XavierZ]

What's the deal with the Lager brewing sugar?

End product tastes no good?

Using something else is better I'm guessing?

[ChristianN]

There's nothing 'wrong' with the lager and brewing sugar. It's a matter of taste really. Ale yeasts are usually easier for novices (read: me) as they can get busy at a wider temp range.

 

 

[KBH]

I found that using Brewing Sugar on its own, with the Original Series Lager, doesnt end up the greatest. Its nice, refreshing, but greatly lacking body and mouthfeel, this is solved by using the Brew Enhancers and Malts.

 

The Lager, with 1Kg of Brew Enhancer 2 (50% Dextrose, 25% Maltodextrin, 25% Light Dry Malt) gave me a much better beer. Although, dont give in to temptation, allow sufficient conditioning time. I've had a few brews that have been horrible at bottling, almost bareable after 2 weeks in the bottle, and beautiful after 2 months.

 

That being said, I usually prefer Ales over Lagers, and also being a novice, as Christian said, Ale yeasts are easier to brew with for the inexperienced.

 

(as an aside, try adding a 'Finnishing Hops' bag to the mix. Even with the Original Series Lager, try some Hersbrucker or similar. Cut the bag open, pour the pellets into a saucepan with about 1 litre of water, boil for a few minutes and add the whole thing to the FV while you're adding everything. As you get more experienced with Hopping, you can try different techniques, but to begin with, add the hops anyway you feel like. As long as its in the FV, it'll give it a little something extra, and make an average beer, into a great beer.)

[Trusty1]

I found that using Brewing Sugar on its own, with the Original Series Lager, doesnt end up the greatest. Its nice, refreshing, but greatly lacking body and mouthfeel, this is solved by using the Brew Enhancers and Malts.

 

The Lager, with 1Kg of Brew Enhancer 2 (50% Dextrose, 25% Maltodextrin, 25% Light Dry Malt) gave me a much better beer. Although, dont give in to temptation, allow sufficient conditioning time. I've had a few brews that have been horrible at bottling, almost bareable after 2 weeks in the bottle, and beautiful after 2 months.

 

That being said, I usually prefer Ales over Lagers, and also being a novice, as Christian said, Ale yeasts are easier to brew with for the inexperienced.

 

(as an aside, try adding a 'Finnishing Hops' bag to the mix. Even with the Original Series Lager, try some Hersbrucker or similar. Cut the bag open, pour the pellets into a saucepan with about 1 litre of water, boil for a few minutes and add the whole thing to the FV while you're adding everything. As you get more experienced with Hopping, you can try different techniques, but to begin with, add the hops anyway you feel like. As long as its in the FV, it'll give it a little something extra, and make an average beer, into a great beer.)

 

Great advice for the new brewer from a great PM[cool] !