How many packets of yeast to pitch - stuck ferm.

[SphericalCamel]

I’ve got a strong scotch ale that has stalled (OG 1.105, stalled at 1.035. I only stepped the starter up once to 2 gallons). I don’t have any more liquid yeast to make up a starter, but I do have a bunch of dry yeast (3 packs of S-04 and 2 packs of US-05, all best by dates are this month). Should I toss in all 5 (rehydrated), just toss in 1 pack, toss in a few? I would prefer not to dump the beer since I won’t have time to brew for ~2 months, so I’d like to make this one at least drinkable. Would more info help?

Thoughts? Thanks

[Bellmer]

For that big of a starting gravity, that sounds like it is at the high range of the expected terminal gravity, especially if you used scottish or english ale yeast. Expected final gravity for a "Strong Scotch Ale" according to the bjcp guidelines is between 1.018 and 1.030, so it isn't too much above. If you repitch I wouldn't go overboard with it.

More importantly...how does it taste?

[BrewTa2]

How long has been fermenting? Temperature?

[SphericalCamel]

It has been fermenting for 21 days now, but it hit 1.039 after 10 days, and 1.035 after 14 days.

Fermentation temp was 65F (+/- 1).

As for taste, it still tastes pretty sweet at this point. I wouldn't want to consider it quite finished out yet.

[BrewTa2]

I'd take it up to 70F and rouse the yeast and see what another week does. If nothing changes, chuck in a couple of packs of US-05. Problem is, you're throwing the yeast into a high alcohol environment with few simple sugars and no oxygen. Anyone ever done this?

[Sent From My iPhone]

I agree with Tat, warm it up. Not sure if dry yeast can get going in that environment, you really need active yeast at high krausen. I would also add some more yeast nutrient, preferably Fermaid K.

[PseudoChef]

If you do need to repitch, just throwing rehydrated dry yeast in is not going to do a thing. As mentioned above, you need lots of yeast at high krausen OR I have known many a stuck ferment to get going with a pitch onto an existing yeast cake.

Use one of those S-05 packets to brew a regular gravity beer (<1.055 or so) and then pitch the Scottish on top of that when it's done in 2 weeks or so.

[SphericalCamel]

Sounds good. I'll give heating it a shot and make some time for a batch for a yeast cake as backup.

Thanks!