Stuck fermentation?

[ANDREW.GROGAN1]

I have an English Brown ale that has been fermenting since 11/18.  I used Wyeast 1450 and I’m stuck at 1.020.  I was hoping to get closer to 1.010.  I started at 1.055.  Should I add more yeast or just let it ride another week and bottle.  I am happy with how it currently taste but I have never had a beer finish this high so I am not sure what to do.  Recipe listed below.

Mashed single infusion @ 156 (Although it may have been a little higher)

Maris Otter- 65.2 %
Caramel/Crystal Malt- 10.9 %
Flaked Oats- 8.7 %
Victory- 4 6.5 %
Brown Malt- 5 5.4 %
Chocolate Malt-6 3.3 %
Wyeast 1450- Denny’s Favorite

[denny]

You may very well be rather than stuck.  Do a forced fermentation test.  It will tell you id you have any fermentable sugars left.  My guess is that you don’t.  You have a lot of less fermentable grain in your recipe.

[system]

That FG is very indicative of a high mash temp and higher amounts of cara’s.  As a general rule of thumb for me a FG of 1.020 is about 160 mash temp. I bet it’s done.

[ANDREW.GROGAN1]

That FG is very indicative of a high mash temp and higher amounts of cara’s.  As a general rule of thumb for me a FG of 1.020 is about 160 mash temp. I bet it’s done.

I know this is a real newbie question but I am still learning about all the aspect of all grain brewing, including grains.

Are you considering the roasted/dark malts in my recipe the same as a cara’s in terms of the unfermentables they bring to a recipe?

[denny]

@ANDREW.GROGAN1

That FG is very indicative of a high mash temp and higher amounts of cara’s.  As a general rule of thumb for me a FG of 1.020 is about 160 mash temp. I bet it’s done.

I know this is a real newbie question but I am still learning about all the aspect of all grain brewing, including grains.

Are you considering the roasted/dark malts in my recipe the same as a cara’s in terms of the unfermentables they bring to a recipe?

Yes.  Your grist bill has a major effect on fermentability, mash temp less so.

[ANDREW.GROGAN1]

@denny

@ANDREW.GROGAN1

That FG is very indicative of a high mash temp and higher amounts of cara’s.  As a general rule of thumb for me a FG of 1.020 is about 160 mash temp. I bet it’s done.

I know this is a real newbie question but I am still learning about all the aspect of all grain brewing, including grains.

Are you considering the roasted/dark malts in my recipe the same as a cara’s in terms of the unfermentables they bring to a recipe?

Yes.  Your grist bill has a major effect on fermentability, mash temp less so.

What could I do next time to make a little more fermentable but maintain the flavor I have achieved.  I am pretty happy with how it taste and it fits to the style.

[denny]

@ANDREW.GROGAN1

@denny

@ANDREW.GROGAN1

That FG is very indicative of a high mash temp and higher amounts of cara’s.  As a general rule of thumb for me a FG of 1.020 is about 160 mash temp. I bet it’s done.

I know this is a real newbie question but I am still learning about all the aspect of all grain brewing, including grains.

Are you considering the roasted/dark malts in my recipe the same as a cara’s in terms of the unfermentables they bring to a recipe?

Yes.  Your grist bill has a major effect on fermentability, mash temp less so.

What could I do next time to make a little more fermentable but maintain the flavor I have achieved.  I am pretty happy with how it taste and it fits to the style.

If it tastes good and fits the style, is the FG really an issue?  After all, you drink the beer, not the numbers.

[bboy9000]

@ANDREW.GROGAN1

What could I do next time to make a little more fermentable but maintain the flavor I have achieved.  I am pretty happy with how it taste and it fits to the style.

Consider using Munich malt in place of the crystal malt.  Also,  I find that Marris Otter gives enough biscuit and nutty flavor on its own.  I don’t use victory with MO. I try to keep specialty grains around 10% of the total grain bill unless I have a specific reason for more. Also, mash lower but you know this.  Get a decent digital thermometer for about $20 to track your temps.