Wheat Beer fermenting slowly

[TheWeissbeerOne]

Hi,

New to HB and have my first brew in the FV now. Its a muntons connoisseurs wheat beer. It has been in the FV for 10 days now. At first it was bubbling away nicely (every 3 seconds) however after gradually slowing its has virtually stopped. I have followed the instructions which say not to bottle untill FG is at 1008.

A couple of readings taken over a few days stayed constant at 1016. I have kept the FV temp constant between 18-21dc as per kit instructions. Having acquired a brewbelt I have stuck this on and the bubbling has started again. Is this the right thing to do? Took another reading last night and it is at 1014. Should I just persevere and keep the temp higher with the brewbelt?
And finally last question. Can I bottle with FG higher than 1008?
Cheers for the help in advance!

[jollytaxpayer]

Frustrating when you don't get the replies you want, straight away. I know I'm usually impatient for answers, so hope the site's wise one respond to your question. I posted a similar question about my Irish Stout so can't help I'm afraid. Good luck

[Lars]

Hi WB, I wouldn't heat up above recommended temp with brew belt , you'll encourage off flavours. Just keep it at recommended temp and rouse the yeast cake gently with a sanitised spoon. Then give it a few more days and bottle when u get a stable FG for 2or3 days in a row. Can't comment as to whether kits should always hit target FG cos I don't know but did u add anything to it other than what came with the kit? I guess this could change the FG.

[TheWeissbeerOne]

Thanks for the suggestion lars,

Now that you mention it substituted 500g dextrose for 500g light spray malt. Was told when I bought the kit this would only affect the flavour and not the fermentation? Have turned the belt off and will have to wait patiently I suppose! On the positive I tasted a sample and was pleasantly surprised!

Thanks again

[trucker5774]

Thanks for the suggestion lars,

Now that you mention it substituted 500g dextrose for 500g light spray malt. Was told when I bought the kit this would only affect the flavour and not the fermentation? Have turned the belt off and will have to wait patiently I suppose! On the positive I tasted a sample and was pleasantly surprised!

Thanks again

If you have used malt to replace sugar (I think you are saying it that way round) then the final gravity may be a little higher as malt is less fermentable than simple sugar