How to enhance the alcohol percentage?

[Heinrich]

Well that's my question. How to enhance the alcohol percentage? I am on day 7 of stage one fermenting. My gravity is on 1014 from the original 1035. Worked the formula out with the add on of 0.5 and its only 3.3% alcohol.. That is way to light.I was hoping at least 4%[pinched] [pouty]

 

Edit: My gravity has been 1014 for the last 3 days.

[Hairy]

Was your OG calculated correctly?

 

A kit with a kilo of sugar/enhancer in 23 litres should give you an OG of at least 1040, if not a couple more.

[Hairy]

In answer to your question in the topic, in order to increase alcohol you will need to increase the amount fermentables per litre.

 

That is either:

 

- increase the malt/sugars

- decrease the volume

 

A couple of things to consider:

 

1. If you increase the dextrose too much you can end up with a thin, cidery beer.

2. If you increase the malt it could make the beer too sweet (because of the residual sweetness left from the malt).

 

It is sometimes good to do a combination of the above plus a hop boil for bitterness to counter some of the sweetness. It is all about getting the right balance in the beer.

 

There is no 'one size fits all' answer. It all depends on many factors including the style of beer you are making.

 

If you are planning a specific recipe then post it on here and we can help out.

 

Also, if you want to make great beer don't chase alcohol for the sake of alcohol [rightful]

[Big Flea]

 

Relax die (tiete)[biggrin] Brew,

Tought exactly the same when I did my Lager. Im drinking it now and believe me the kick is there after 3 bottles!