Slow winter fermentation question

Newtothis

So I’m on my 7th generation of a slightly modified Ujssm fermentation, and it’s gotten dam chilly out. Maybe around 45 to 58 degrees daily. This batch started off at around 1.088 around 2 weeks ago and is currently around 1.038 which is slower than normal. Things still seem to be active and doing their thing, just at a slower tempo. No off smells or flavors at this point. So my question is, is it alright to just let it go at its own pace and not try to add any external heat to speed up the process of fermentation? I’m in no hurry really and if it doesn’t matter I’ll just let it go at it’s own pace.

NZChris

Do you have any insulation wrapped around it to trap its own heat?

Demy

I don't think it's a problem if you don't smell abnormal, if you can add insulation to the fermenter that would help as chris mentioned.

shadylane

It's going to be a long time till spring.
If the room you're fermenting in is unheated, I'd start figuring how to warm things up.

Newtothis

Wrapped up in extra heavy moving blankets.

Ben

Switch yeasts. S04 is dry yeast and very happy at 59° DADY doesn't like the cold as much. If you are willing to go to liquid there are options for even colder, but your main ferment should be 5+° warmer than ambient, 10+ if you are wrapped in blanket.
You can just add it to what you have, the yeast in the right temp range will take over. Save a bit of slurry out of your bed to repitch (just reserve some so you don't pour boiling backset over it).
If you are using a copper still head you can even switch to a dry lager yeast. Saflager german will get you down to 52°.:)

Deplorable

Your pH still okay? It's not stalled due to pH being too low is it?Use all your senses, and its not that hard. You just have to pay attention.
Procrastinate, you'll make better whiskey.

Salt-Must-Flow

Like Deplorable said, check that ph.
I built a wood box out of OSB (oriented strand board) to put my fermenters in. I use zero insulation. I use a small electric space heater with a inexpensive temp controller. Just to be thorough I also plugged a small $5 fan into the controller too. When the heater kicks on, the fan does to. It recirculates the air in the box so it heats evenly throughout. I set the controller to maintain temp within 2F. Rarely does it kick on and when it does it doesn't stay on for long at all. Any kind of insulation can only make it more efficient.

Saltbush-Bill

7.2 to 14.4 C outside temp......What is the temp where there Ferment is kept ?
What yeast are you currently using .....I cant seem to find that information?
If its bread yeast it should keep chugging along but will be damned slow.