Holiday Ale needs Santa's Little Helper

[Redbird Fan]

I brewed my Holiday Ale in August and bottled it September 13 -
Original gravity = 1.09 - Final Gravity = 1.02
Dry English Ale yeast
Bottles have been stored around 68 F

To date, carbonation is virtually non-existent (although increasing ever so slightly about every 2 weeks - still no head what-so-ever). I suspect I needed to re-pitch some yeast before bottling (due to the high alcohol nature of this ale) but since I didn't I am in need of some plausible solutions for correcting my problem and not creating another. I would gladly accept some expert advice.

Thanks!

[YamahaXS]

before repitching, put the bottles somewhere warmer. about 73-75 should do it.... good luck!

[sallad]

its a big beer, and big beers do well with aging. as long as it is carbonating, albeit slowly, i'd just let it sit. its just the beginning of november, plenty of more time before the holidays! moving it someplace a little warmer might help too, and maybe gently swirling the bottles to raise the yeast.

[ray m]

I agree with Sallad.....your brew probably just needs things a tad bit warmer, that's all. I've had a couple big beers take what seemed like forever to carbonate. I just needed to be patient. For some reason, 4 weeks seems to be norm, for even my average strength beers, to properly carbonate.

Drink hearty!!!!