National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Yeast Board => Topic started by: Cathal O D on January 02, 2013, 09:42:18 PM

Title: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Cathal O D on January 02, 2013, 09:42:18 PM
[size=12]Hey there,

I berwed my first attampt at a belgian ale 2 and a half weeks ago using WLP550. It was slow to get going ~ 15 hours but when it did it bubbled away like mad for the 1st week. I left it sitting at 20°C for the next week while i went home for xmas and now it has stopped bubbling completley.
I cant bottle it until this day next week as im away, so was thinking of chilling it down to 10°C until i can come back.
Im hoping this will help clear it and let it cool condition.
Although im afraid that too much yeast will drop out and this will affect the bottle conditioning and carbination.
If i do go down this route should i bring it back to room temp before bottling?

Or is it best to leave it at 20°C is and bottle in a weeks time?
:-?
[/size]
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Ciderhead on January 02, 2013, 09:50:30 PM
15 Hours is not ages to get going  ;) did you use a starter?
What was its starting and current gravity?
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Cathal O D on January 02, 2013, 10:49:06 PM
Strating Gravity was 1.060, i don't know the current gravity as i don't have a tap on my Fermenter.
I don't fancy opening the lid and using my syphon un-necessarly......
:-/
May have to bite the bullet though.
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Ciderhead on January 02, 2013, 11:11:37 PM
It would be nice for you to know where you are.
longer term consider a 20Euro Refractometer off ebay, just need a drop for measuring.
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Cathal O D on January 02, 2013, 11:26:35 PM
If i sterilised my hydromoter perfectly would that be a better option than syphoning off??
Its only a 17L batch and i dont want to waste any.

Also if i havent reached my expected final gravity is it a matter of increasing the temp a couple of degrees to finish it off?

Alot of questions i know... ::)
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Ciderhead on January 03, 2013, 12:52:36 AM
QuoteIf i sterilised my hydromoter perfectly would that be a better option than syphoning off??
Its only a 17L batch and i dont want to waste any.

Also if i havent reached my expected final gravity is it a matter of increasing the temp a couple of degrees to finish it off?

Alot of questions i know... ::)

Many moons ago I used to drown it in star San and into fermenter, don't forget hands too!
I am betting you are between 1.01 and 1.015 ;)
I never try and stress my beer with temp movements, I suspect your beer is ready to bottle condition.
Let us know result?
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Cathal O D on January 03, 2013, 08:48:05 AM
Ok i will give it a go. I have sterile gloves fom work which i can use as well.
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Cathal O D on January 03, 2013, 05:32:49 PM
Just checked it and its come in at 1.010 which im happy about. What do you reckon?
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Ciderhead on January 03, 2013, 05:34:22 PM
QuoteJust checked it and its come in at 1.010 which im happy about. What do you reckon?

Ready to bottle :) and perhaps enter into NHC competition?
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Cathal O D on January 03, 2013, 06:25:13 PM
Sweet thanks for your help. Ill have to save you a bottle.
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: MAF on January 04, 2013, 10:01:56 PM
QuoteJust checked it and its come in at 1.010 which im happy about. What do you reckon?
Are you sure it's ready to bottle? I've had WLP550 attenuate right down to 1.005 - I suppose it depends on your grist and how (if) you mashed.

Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Ciderhead on January 04, 2013, 10:13:10 PM
Quote
QuoteJust checked it and its come in at 1.010 which im happy about. What do you reckon?
Are you sure it's ready to bottle? I've had WLP550 attenuate right down to 1.005 - I suppose it depends on your grist and how (if) you mashed.


He is going for beer not cough syrup ;)
Btw Cathal what MAF doesn't know about Saison isn't worth knowing.
I know I have one of yours in the shed and yet to try it, what gravity do yours start at MAF?
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: MAF on January 04, 2013, 10:16:08 PM
My OGs range from 1.029 up to 1.092.... I kid you not!
Which one do you have in the fridge?
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Ciderhead on January 04, 2013, 10:37:19 PM
QuoteMy OGs range up to 1.092....
:o :o :o :o :o :o
[smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]
Does Revenue know surely there should be a €1 tax on that after the last budget ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Ale WLP550
Post by: Cathal O D on January 04, 2013, 11:46:13 PM
Quote
QuoteJust checked it and its come in at 1.010 which im happy about. What do you reckon?
Are you sure it's ready to bottle? I've had WLP550 attenuate right down to 1.005 - I suppose it depends on your grist and how (if) you mashed.

I mashed for almost 2 hours. 30 min at 65C and the rest at 61C. Im hoping it turns out a bit drier. Ill check the SG againsunday and if it hasnt changed ill bottle.