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prrriiide · 10-13-2012, 02:46 PM

Even if it's RDWHAHB!

I'm doing my first belgian this afternoon. I'll be pitching anywhere from 8-10 pm. I made a starter last night (~ 8 pm) using WLP550. 8 oz. lt. DME in ~32 oz of water (filled my growler up to the bottom of the neck). Boiled 15 minutes, then stuck it in the freezer until my (sanitized) themo read 62*. Then I sanitized my growler, my funnel and a piece of foil, poured and pitched (~9:30 pm). I got quite a bit of aeration when I poured it into the growler thru the funnel - it nearly foamed over. I covered it with the foil, set it on the kitchen counter, and I've been giving it a vigorous swirl about every 45 min to an hour (except for the 6 hours I was asleep). Not seeing any activity yet.

Am I expecting too much in only 13 hours? What's a typical lag for 550 @ about 71*? If it doesn't take off by 5 or so should I run to the LHBS and get another vial and pitch it alongside the starter into my 5g wort?

Bithead · 10-13-2012, 02:49 PM

You typically do not see any activity in a starter. Should smell yeasty and if you let it settle you should see the yeast layer forming. Sounds like you're on your way.

prrriiide · 10-13-2012, 03:59 PM

Thanks!!

duboman · 10-13-2012, 10:14 PM

You will be fine even if it hasn't totally taken off but you will have to pitch the whole starter.

Next time be sure to leave yourself a few days so you can ferment, crash and decant

just a little more advance planning.

prrriiide · 10-14-2012, 03:11 AM

I pitched at about 9:30. When I went into the house to get the starter, a krausen residue was left in the growler, so I guess it took off while I was busy trying to get my volume and grav to cooperate. We'll see in a day or so!