No signs of fermentation

Marathon06 · 01-30-2012, 08:34 PM

I had my first attempt at Apple cider this weekend. Saturday I pitched a vial of Whit Labs liquid champagne yeast into 5 gallons of Sprouts Farmers Market fresh pressed organic apple juice and two lbs of brown sugar. OG was 1.070. O didn't use a starter and I forgot to pull the yeast out of the refrigerator in advance. The yeast only warmed up for about 30 minutes before I pitched. No sign of fermentation 30 hours later so I pitched a pack of Red Star dry champagne yeast and some yeast nutrient early last evening. Today there is still no airlock activity. I'm fermenting in a bucket and I can't see what is going on. I know I need to be patient bit it seems like a very long time with no activity. Has anyone used this apple juice before? It is heat pastureized, no preservatives added.

johnsnownw · 01-30-2012, 09:18 PM

Just wait man, it will happen. However, I do no know how your pitching 2 different yeasts will affect the finished product...

outstretched · 01-30-2012, 10:07 PM

The problem isn't the juice. Patience. If nothing (krausen starts forming) happens after 72 hours then you might have a problem. Airlock activity does NOT prove fermentation or lack there of. Is there a krausen layer forming?

Marathon06 · 01-30-2012, 10:27 PM

It is in a bucket so I can't see what is going on unless I POP the lid.

**Daze** · 01-30-2012, 11:40 PM

so pop the lid

dr_al · 01-30-2012, 11:55 PM

it wont hurt to peek, or stick your ear to it and listen for fizz. none of my buckets seal properly without a bunch of hassle so i always listen or look inside to see if it started.

Marathon06 · 01-31-2012, 01:03 AM

I hear a smight fizz and see a small amount of krousen firming. I'll relax :-)