rockout
Well-Known Member
So, I looked through all the FAQs and wiki, and while there's tons of info on relaxing, taking hydrometer readings, generally dealing with no bubbles in your airlock, there's not much on what to do after you finally do determine that no fermentation has taken place (or, I failed to find it).
I brewed AHBS' WInter Imperial Ale six days ago. While there were no bubbles in the airlock all week, I didn't panic because that's happened before and the beer came out fine (just a leak in the bucket, probably). But today, I took a hydrometer reading just to make sure. The result? 1.062, almost identical to the 1.064 reading I got when I pitched the yeast originally.
The yeast was from a washed batch that I made just over six months ago. It smelled a little funny when I opened the Mason jar to make a starter, but everyone on here said don't worry about it, pitch it anyway, so I did. Couldn't hurt, right?
In 3 years of beginner brewing, this is the first time that this has happened to me, so I'm not too upset about it, but on the other hand, I do have almost 5 gallons of wort that I'd like to salvage if possible. I have a packet of Munton's dry yeast in the fridge, but this was my backup packet in case of emergency for the last 3 years, and the date on it say 10/2009. Can I use that? Or should I just go buy a test tube of yeast at the local homebrew store 45 miles away? And should I make a starter out of the test tube or just pitch right away?
Thanks, guys. You've been a massive help in the past, I'm hoping you can help in my greatest hour of need so far.
I brewed AHBS' WInter Imperial Ale six days ago. While there were no bubbles in the airlock all week, I didn't panic because that's happened before and the beer came out fine (just a leak in the bucket, probably). But today, I took a hydrometer reading just to make sure. The result? 1.062, almost identical to the 1.064 reading I got when I pitched the yeast originally.
The yeast was from a washed batch that I made just over six months ago. It smelled a little funny when I opened the Mason jar to make a starter, but everyone on here said don't worry about it, pitch it anyway, so I did. Couldn't hurt, right?
In 3 years of beginner brewing, this is the first time that this has happened to me, so I'm not too upset about it, but on the other hand, I do have almost 5 gallons of wort that I'd like to salvage if possible. I have a packet of Munton's dry yeast in the fridge, but this was my backup packet in case of emergency for the last 3 years, and the date on it say 10/2009. Can I use that? Or should I just go buy a test tube of yeast at the local homebrew store 45 miles away? And should I make a starter out of the test tube or just pitch right away?
Thanks, guys. You've been a massive help in the past, I'm hoping you can help in my greatest hour of need so far.