Over Attenuation

[GuyG]

Hi all,

So I brewed my Pilot Pale ale for the 2nd time on Wednesday. Target OG 1.050 - hit bang on, target FG - 1.011.

I mashed at 67°C and used BRY-97 yeast same as before... when I brewed it in June I pitched at 19°C as planned, had about 36 hours lag time as expected and it fermented in 5 days and hit my FG.

This time is due to the hot weather and struggling to get wort temp down I pitched at 21°C (pitching parameters are 15°C-22°C) and stuck it in my ferm fridge set at 19°C... airlock activity was visible after 16 hours.

I took a hydrometer reading this evening as airlock activity has stopped already and it is at 1.008!!

I thoroughly cleaned, rinsed and sanitised my FV but could I still have an infection (no visible presence as yet)?

Maybe in my haste to pitch instead of cooling the wort in my ferm fridge have I pitched too warm and set the yeast off in a frenzy?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks
Guy

 

[Rwilts]

I bet it's done ! Most fermentation can take place in initial few days especially with certain Yeasts.

Would definitely leave it longer to clear up after itself mind.

 

[Clarence]

If you've no reason to suspect an infection then don't suspect one.
There are many reasons why your FG could be a bit lower: you might have mashed for a bit longer, you might not have used the same malt from the same batch, your mash pH might have been a bit different....
Did you use a new sachet of yeast this time or did you harvest some from the previous batch? I don't thing you tell use how long between observed airlock activity and cessation of activity.
36 hours lag time is a long time, 16 hours is nothing special.
Leave it a couple of days to make sure it;s done, cool it, package it, drink it. All should be well.

 

[GuyG]

Thanks @Rwilts and @Clarence

It was a new packet of yeast... I've not yet delved into yeast cropping and repitching yet.

I'm sure I am just another newbie over thinking things (this is only my 8th brew).

Just hoping the fact it has attenuated a few points dryer won't have completely changed the finished brew

I'll check it again on Monday and if it's done I will just get it bottled up on Tuesday

 

[Rwilts]

Let us know how it turns out

 

[GuyG]

Let us know how it turns out

Will do

Tbh I am kind of hoping it's done as I have found a few good locations of wild hops a few miles from mine that were nearly ripe the other day and I really want to get a green wild hop brew done as I'm guessing this heat wave will have sped up the ripening this weekend.

 

[lmbollinger]

At 1.008, I wouldn't suspect an infection. The yeast would have eaten most of the sugars, leaving a relatively small amount for other microbes to consume. Combined with hops and alcohol, other microbes will have a difficult time getting a foothold at this point. What FG were you shooting for?

 

[GuyG]

At 1.008, I wouldn't suspect an infection. The yeast would have eaten most of the sugars, leaving a relatively small amount for other microbes to consume. Combined with hops and alcohol, other microbes will have a difficult time getting a foothold at this point. What FG were you shooting for?

Thanks @lmbollinger my target was 1.011 it seemed an unexpectedly high attentuation for BRY-97 to me which is what made me question it.

 

[The Baron]

Don't forget attenuation is not a exact science it is a estimate that can generally be used but up or down is expected too

 

[Clarence]

Thanks @lmbollinger my target was 1.011 it seemed an unexpectedly high attentuation for BRY-97 to me which is what made me question it.

The technical data sheet for BRY-97 suggests 78-84% for the attenuation range. Your FG of 1008 indicates an apparent attenuation of only 83%. I'd say your target FG is really at the very lowest of the range for this yeast.

 

[GuyG]

Thanks for allaying any concerns guys, I will bear in mind this in the future

 

[Druncan]

Just kegged an eek! 3 day Blonde @ 1.0040 - 1.003,,, US05 lost a bit control with the heat,,,,, Fingers crossed. Smells good though. Best test eh?
Don't panic, just have a brew and sit back.

 

[GuyG]

Update as requested...

Ramped up a couple °C Saturday for a diac rest and checked FG again on Monday and was still at 1.008 so bottled on Tuesday and seems to be conditioning ok - 3 PET bottles inflated and clearing nicely in the clear bottle.

 

[Rwilts]

Lovely colour, bet you can't wait to try it

 

[GuyG]

Lovely colour, bet you can't wait to try it

Absolutely, just hoping it tastes as good if not better than the last batch