Racked off the primary and added MLB on 9/30. Added Opti-Malic Nutrient on 10/2 and observed start of MLF. I swirled the fine lees 1x per week to keep MLF moving. The visible bubbles stopped about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Today I measured the Malic Acid levels which show 15mg/L. I used a test kit that uses color, not paper chromatography. My SG=1.002, Must Temp=66, pH is back up at 4.02 and So2=18ppm. At his point I don't know if I should stop MLF, rack and add SO2 or let it keep going. A little worried with the high pH and low SO2 level. The taste is very flat. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, I appreciate the advice.15mg/L is considered a complete MLF they say. The chroma test wouldn’t even register any malic that low with 100-200 mg/L threshold. And <30ng/L is considered a successful mlf
I had this same concern a couple years ago. Normally wouldn’t sweat letting it go longer - but the high ph makes the decision an easy one IMO.
You are done! Get that sucker protected and put to bed.
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