Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkstashcrashes
well the packet of dry yeast said to suspend it in warm water for a few minutes. I did not do that.
I will dump the glass jar contents.
Can i jump start this yeast anyway?
|
You are absolutely fine. You didn't rehydrate your yeast. Many people don't. Yeast washing is a more advanced technique for re-using yeast from a previous batch. That's why some folks here were confused when you said you hadn't washed your yeast. Now we know what you meant.
There is no need to jump start your yeast. It will start on its own in due time. Actual fermentation can take a day or two to start. In the meantime the yeast is reproducing and adapting to its environment. All of this is perfectly normal.
And, yeah, a whole blowoff vessel full of bleach is overkill -- and a potential problem if it gets sucked back into your fermenter, as Yooper said. The usual dilution rate is about a tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. That will keep out the nasties without endangering your beer.
The important thing right now is keeping your fermentation temperatures under control. Most ales should ferment around 70° or below for a clean flavor. If you have a spare bathtub or a large enough Rubbermaid or other container, put the fermenter in it and fill the container about 3/4 full with cool water. In the meantime freeze three or four bottled water bottles or zip-top bags full of water. The water in the tub or container will act as a heat brake, keeping your fermenter temperatures (which will actually be 5-8° higher than the ambient temperature) stable and cool. Add a water bottle or two and change them out in the morning and evening. Depending on how warm the house is, that will keep your fermenter between 62° and 68° without too much trouble.
Don't worry overmuch about airlock/blowoff activity. Most likely you'll see some, maybe a lot. You might not see any, especially if your fermenter isn't sealed well. It's more important to let your beer ferment fully and check the gravity after 10 days or so. If you received instructions with your kit or got a recipe off the Internet that says to move the beer to a secondary after a week to get it off the yeast, ignore that. Your beer will be significantly better if you let it go 10 days to two weeks in the primary. Even longer is absolutely fine and will lead to clearer beer.
Relax. You are doing fine.
Chad
Blow off tube issue
Linear Mode
