Ommegang Hennepin Clone w/ Honey

Lower efficiency than desired. New homebrew shop so milling might have affected it. Also, pH may have been too high (5.5+) since I did not have proper acidification, although I got same 65% efficiency on my porter brewed the same day, which did not need any acid to achieve 5.3-5.4 pH because of the darker grains.

2L Starter with 8 oz DME. Decanted about 1 L before adding to ~68F wort. Took off right away and within 2 days krausen has filled up headspace of 8 gallon fermentor. Maintaining around 71F wort temperature (ambient in chest freezer is set at 66F).

On day 3 of ferment, gravity sample read ~1.020. Tasted great but still very sweet. Thick 3-4" krausen. Internal temperature dropped from 71F to 69-70F (ambient set at 69F), suggesting fermentation activity slowing down. Removed fermentor from chest freezer to ambient room temps of approximately 77F for natural rise to hopefully achieve full attenuation (I heard 3522 will drop out if temperature drops ). Will check internal temperature after 12 hours.

On day 4 of ferment, gravity sample read 1.014 at 76F internal wort temp (~1.016 adjusted, which would be the average attenuation for the strain; however, I hope to get lower). Ambient temperature is around ~80F in the laundry room. Will likely transfer to 68F temp chamber again on day 6.

On day 5 of ferment, gravity sample read 1.011 at 77F internal wort temp (~1.013 adjusted. I am hoping to get 1.009-1.011 by the end of fermentation). Has a very sweet flavor (honey? sweet orange peel?). Almost tastes underhopped. Do not detect the spices. Still intend on transferring back to temp chamber tomorrow (day 6)

Day 7 - transferred to 66F fermentor.

Day 8 - gravity sample read 1.009. Sitting at 68F. Need to transfer to keg before leaving for Thanksgiving break for 10 days.