Flurry: Note #2

Batch #1 is still producing gas at a good rate..an encouraging sign. If the SG is low enough in the morning, I will add some invert sugar syrup to bring it to a total alcohol potential of ~18%. Essentially that means I'll need to add enough invert syrup to raise the SG by .03, since we started at 1.100, and 1.130 is about 18%. I'll also add a pinch of nutrients and epsom salts along with.

Batch #2 is bubbling! This is happening much faster than the last batch. The conditions are obviously more favorable this time around, and the additional time allowed for in startup before pitching., as well as temperature shock being eliminated by the long wait for the starter to get going, and to cool down to 25C or so. I would bet that the monks like the lower sugar concentration much more, as well.

Batch #2 readings: Temp 27C. pH: 3.5, SG: 1.050 @ 27C which, as it turns out, means I have about 6.5% potential alcohol in there. Still a good prayerful level. The pH is very low, however I am not going to buffer it this time. I am concerned more about infections from bacteria in this run considering I am using baking yeast. I will check it in the morning, and keep it above 3.4 if necessary, by adding bicarbonate of soda in small portions.

We want to end up with a total potential SG of 1.105, which is 14%. So, we'll need to add invert syrup each time to increase the SG by a factor of about .028 or just under .030 This should be exactly equal to our 1.7kg x 2, however it always pays to watch the reading (Oh, St Thomas.. you would be proud!)

Now, gentle readers.. you are probably saying to yourself "MY HEAD HURTS". Yes yes.. I understand.. but the Lord's work is hard, and I am attempting to decipher this such that procedures and amounts can be given without all of the readings, tools and other bits. In other words, in future, you could just follow the numbers that I will sum up at the end of each run and need do (almost) no math at all! That, of course, means you will earn no indulgence from our illustrious St Thomas, but you will, at least, have communed with The Blessed Spirit, and I will be on your side.

Pax Vobiscum