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unkle bik
12-31-2003, 08:22 AM
Bottled a batch of lager about 3 weeks ago. Sampled a bottle yesterday. The problem was there was little carbonation. Typically I have good carbonation within two weeks of bottling. I used the normal 3/4 cup of corn sugar for priming.
Should I just be more patient, or should I concern myself that things won't get better?
Thanx, and Happy New Year.
S.F.B.
12-31-2003, 03:30 PM
Did you leave it in secondary longer than usual? This can cause it to take longer.

I know that lager can take longer than ales to ferment. Maybe this is a reason.
DreamWeaver
12-31-2003, 08:22 PM
Lagers do take a little longer and without knowing if you used secondary and how long in each. Temp plays a part too. I would say 3 weeks should be good. You have a stronger will power than I do! I have found a beer to be undercarbonated at 14 days and then at 15 days it was fine. What a difference a day makes! If all else fails, mix it with another of your favorite beers and enjoy. Oh & Hoppy Brew Year! -DRWeaver
unkle bik
01-02-2004, 09:06 AM
Originally posted by S.F.B.
Did you leave it in secondary longer than usual? This can cause it to take longer.

I know that lager can take longer than ales to ferment. Maybe this is a reason.

I left it in there the usual time: 1 week.
I took a couple of bottles upstairs where it is a little bit warmer (70 vs 58 deg.) for a couple days. This seemed to help a bit as there was a bit more carbonation. I guess I need to be more patient.

Question:
Why would leaving it in the secondary longer than normal effect the carbonation?
Tweek
01-02-2004, 09:51 AM
Why would leaving it in the secondary longer than normal effect the carbonation?

the longer you leave it in secondary the more yeast will fall out of suspension, so it will take longer for the yeast population that is left to build up and do its job
unkle bik
01-02-2004, 10:32 AM
Originally posted by Tweek
the longer you leave it in secondary the more yeast will fall out of suspension, so it will take longer for the yeast population that is left to build up and do its job

Makes sense.
That could be the reason why it turned out fairly clear.
Thanx.