Late Sugar Addition?

[TimmyR]

G'day all,

I brewed an IPA 8-days ago, and undershot my target gravity of 1.068 by 5 points (it was an obvious volume issue I should have caught and just boiled longer).

I pitched WLP090 and was going to add 1/2#-1# (3-6% of total fermentables) of clear liquid candi sugar to each 5.5 gallon carboy (1.032 ppt) and at least bump it by 3-6 points per carboy. I could not add this week since I was gone and both were blowing off before I left on my trip. Both fermenters are still bubbling away very slowly. I can easily delay my first dry-hop addition a couple days while the sugar gets fermented. I am aware it will likely dry out the IPA, but figured the beer would have likely fermented to a similar final gravity based on my experience with WLP090 thus far.

Is there any reason not to add the sugar today along wtih my first dry-hop dose? Both ferments are still slowly bubbling away? I can easily delay my first dry-hop addition a couple days while the sugar gets fermented.

[spiderwrangler]

I am aware it will likely dry out the IPA

Not really, or at least not noticeably more than the beer as it sits. If it you've done the recipe before, it will be a bit drier than the target OG beer, but due to the dilution in the kettle, not a sugar addition.

[TimmyR]

Right on spider.....I am going to check gravity today and likely let it ride. I have not done this recipe before and my error was moment of distraction caused me to overfill my kettle and then not boil long enough to get down to pre-boil gravity before starting my boil for time.

Thanks. Figure I'll taste, check and make a call today.

[brewinhard]

Go ahead and add the sugar now. Wait till that renewed fermentation begins to slow dramatically before adding your dry hop additions otherwise you will scrub out all those amazing hop aromas if the fermentation is still in full swing.

[captain carrot]

1.068 is still a decent IPA. I would save the candi syrup for another batch or substitute a cheaper sugar like cane sugar if you're going to boost the gravity.
Good luck!

[spiderwrangler]

1.068 is still a decent IPA. I would save the candi syrup for another batch or substitute a cheaper sugar like cane sugar if you're going to boost the gravity.
Good luck!

I think he came in at 1.063, which would likely still be JUST FINEâ„¢.

[TimmyR]

1.068 is still a decent IPA. I would save the candi syrup for another batch or substitute a cheaper sugar like cane sugar if you're going to boost the gravity.
Good luck!

I think he came in at 1.063, which would likely still be JUST FINEâ„¢.

Check...at 1.063....targeted 68...wouldve been happy with 65.

Going to taste, test and make the call.

[TimmyR]

1.010, but not decarbonated, 7.1%...no sugar being added...dry-hopping today for first of two additions.