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**donnelj** · 12-28-2012, 06:51 PM

I'm a noob on my second batch a Dark Winter Wheat kit. It was recommended that I substitute the powder yeast pack with a pouch of liquid yeast. The directions on the kit didn't really explain the process of prepping the yeast. When it came time for pitching yeast, I just took the pouch out of the fridge sanitized the outside of the pack, cut it and poured it in. Oops ... There was a second Pouch in the pouch. After looking at the packet I realized that I was supposed to squeeze it to break the inner packet and let it sit at room temp for a couple hours. Crap! Now what?

So I just cut open the inner packet and poured that into the wort too. Is there any chance this batch will still turn out? Is there anything I can do now to help it? Should just pour it out and count it as the cost of education? Advice please?

**donnelj** · 12-28-2012, 06:56 PM

Sorry. The title of the thread should say "liquid yeast"

**MrOrange** · 12-28-2012, 07:34 PM

DO NOT POUR IT OUT. The beer will turn out fine. One issue with liquid yeast is that one packet normally doesn't have the cell count needed for a five gallon batch and that is why you will hear people talking about making starters. Next time you pitch liquid yeast try making a starter or pitching multiple pouches. There are multiple yeast pitching rate calculator on the internet (http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html). Once again your beer will be fine.

**donnelj** · 12-28-2012, 07:47 PM

So does that mean that the fermentation process could take longer than the recommended 7-10 days?

**MrOrange** · 12-28-2012, 08:48 PM

It is hard to say for sure without knowing the recipe and brewing process details.

Calder · 12-29-2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donnelj

So does that mean that the fermentation process could take longer than the recommended 7-10 days?

Fermentation should take about the same time. The potential problems are:

- It will take longer to start, allowing more time for any other contaminants to spoil the wort before the yeast starts.
- You can get more fusel alcohols and other flavors from the yeast due to it being stressed.
- It may not attenuate completely.

Please note, these are only potential problems. You may not notice anything wrong.

dogbar · 12-29-2012, 01:07 PM

It wouldn't hurt to add the packet of dry yeast that came with the kit. That will get your counts up.

If the liquid yeast you're using is a hefeweizen yeast, stressing it too much can really bring out the banana notes.

**donnelj** · 12-29-2012, 10:20 PM

Thanks for all the great feedback. Unfortunately, I traded the dry for the liquid yeast so I can't add the dry packet. It's been 48 hours and I'm not seeing much activity in the airlock yet. I'll just wait it out and see what happens.

**donnelj** · 12-30-2012, 03:08 PM

Alright, we've reached the 60 hour mark since pitching yeast and see very little activity. Considering running up to the brew store and getting a dry packet to pitch on top. Opinions?

**midfielder5** · 12-31-2012, 04:18 AM

Have you taken a hydrometer reading to make sure it hasnt been fermenting?

What was the brew OG? (OG over 1.060 can take longer to start)

How old was the yeast? ( the smack packs have a date on it. Older yeast could take longer to start.)

Anyways, it could take up to 72 hours to show active fermentation for liquid yeast pitched without a starter.