Yeast Question

OrCoastBrew · 10-24-2009, 09:26 PM

So I moved up to my first partial grain brew and I am very pleased thus far. My only thing is that I let the beer shop talk me into using Whites lab yeast instead of my usual Wyeast and I am not getting any action after about 18 hours. No airlock activity and no visual in the carboy. My temps are all good and I believe I did everything correct in the brewing process. Usually activity starts within 4 or 5 hours with my previous brews. I know it hasn't been long enough yet to worry but my question is how long to wait and can I pitch new yeast if needed and can it be a different brand or should I stick with Whites? Thanks for any foresight.

Gritsak · 10-24-2009, 09:32 PM

Did you make a starter?

**Newbeerguy** · 10-24-2009, 09:33 PM

Did you make a starter for your yeast? What tempature is the wort? Did you aearate after pitching?

OrCoastBrew · 10-24-2009, 09:43 PM

[QUOTE=Newbeerguy;1630862]Did you make a starter for your yeast? What tempature is the wort? Did you aearate after pitching?[/QUOTE

The yeast comes prepackaged so that all you need to do is shake it and let it start prior to pitching. The wort was at 75F and I did aerate to wort prior to pitching.

**ChshreCat** · 10-24-2009, 09:47 PM

You CAN pitch the yeast as it is, but you're still underpitching. If you make a starter, you will have a better cell count going into your wort. It should still work, but it can take up to 72 hours before it takes off.

OrCoastBrew · 10-24-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChshreCat

You CAN pitch the yeast as it is, but you're still underpitching. If you make a starter, you will have a better cell count going into your wort. It should still work, but it can take up to 72 hours before it takes off.

Cool Thanks. Still learning

**Newbeerguy** · 10-24-2009, 10:00 PM

[QUOTE=OrCoastBrew;1630875]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbeerguy

Did you make a starter for your yeast? What tempature is the wort? Did you aearate after pitching?[/QUOTE

The yeast comes prepackaged so that all you need to do is shake it and let it start prior to pitching. The wort was at 75F and I did aerate to wort prior to pitching.

Yep, just like ChshreCat said, it will take some time for the yeast to build up, so expect some delay. That is the same way as I learned. My instructions told me to just pitch the tube in and in 12 hrs it should be taking off...well 48hrs later I finally saw a small layer or krausen. Took darn near 3 days to really get going. Beer turned out fine though

OrCoastBrew · 10-25-2009, 06:10 PM

UPDATE:
It is going off with a vengeance! Just a another case of newbie anxiety!!!!