Nog at 1020 in FV, advice requested.

[Robbo]

Hi all,

Following everyones advice last month, I bought myself a Woodeforde starter kit online. The company stated that they could substitute another kit instead of Wherry depending on availability and they did! I got a Nog kit. Oh well, I really wanted a bitter but I guess this will have to do. As this is my first ever homebrew attempt, I read and re-read most of the advice in the forums. I think I did everything correctly.

After 7 days I checked the SG and was a little disappointed that it was at 1020, not less. So I read your sticky post above and have tried the stirring up method. I sterlised my spoon and stirred up the brew for a few minutes and then replaced the lid and kept the FV in the warm.

It is now 4 days later, (i.e. 11 days from start) and the SG is still 1020. Disappointed I am. I have checked the hydrometer in water and it is showing about 1001 so not too far out I guess.

My question is, should I just say what the hell and transfer it to the keg now or should I try something else? I don't have any of the additional items, more yeast or vit? etc. that were mentioned in the post but I guess I could get some if needed.

What shall I do? Please advise, I really wanted a perfect beer for Christmas but I have my doubts this will be the one.

[6470zzy]

In a situation like this its always good to have a pack of Nottingham handy or S-33 (my favourite) If after giving the yeast a gentle rouse (being careful not to oxygenate) you still don't get activity then you could re-pitch and add a tad of yeast vit or simply add some yeast vit. Also raising the temp of the FV is helpful in case the yeasties have gotten cold and knocked off into dormancy.

Cheers

[scottmoss]

Hi,

My Milestone Black Pearl was 1020 after 8 days so I gave it a slight stir everyday and I managed to get it down to 1012 without adding any yeast or vit (took 15 days in primary).

[Robbo]

Phew! *Wipes brow*

Thanks for the replies. I stirred it and made sure it was warm enough. Today it has a bit of a head and the SG is 1018 so dropping.

Fingers crossed...

[Normski]

Hi Robbo
As it looks to have dropped around 2 points in the last 24 hrs. I think giving it a stir has done the trick. You'll probably get it down to about 1016 or maybe even a bit lower. Im sure it'll be OK. But a good tip as mentioned above is to have a stock of a couple of things that you may need in case of emergencies. I always have a few spare packs of Yeast and a spare hydrometer and themometer. Cheers

[At. Ailbhe's Brewery]

The lads on here helped me out with this same problem a few days back. I gave it a gentle stir every day for about 5 - 6 days, and it came down about a point every day as a result.