Another nervous newbie!

Hi everyone

I just want to start off by saying hello as this is my 1st post!!

SWMBO bought me a starter kit for my birthday and I have just followed all the instructions to mix everything into my beginners fermenting bucket.

I had a great time doing this - and am already considering buying more equipment to use as a secondary fermentation vessel and also free up the primary to make a second batch!!! - once I am sure I have not totally messed this one up!!

The kit in question is a Muntons Gold continental pilsner kit - which is (I believe) an extract kit.

My worry is to do with the yeast - I sprinkled it into my 5 gallons of beer mix and gave it a good stir. When I checked it 2 hours later (Yeah I know - really patient!) I noticed the the yeast has clumped together into about a little balls all floating on the surface.

Is this normal - or should I stir it until the yeast is well mixed in?

Thanks for your advice

Dave

Normal. Let it sit. And wait. I hated waiting too, but I did the same thing your thinking, brew more often and it keeps you busy. Good luck!

Welcome, and RDWHAHB, all will be well.

Thanks for the quick responses!!!

I am quite patient and I can cope with the waiting - It's the not knowing if I have done it right that could get me panicking!

I think I will keep myself busy by planning what extra equipment I will need beyond my basic fermenting bucket, and possibly sample some of the less commercial style ales they have in the supermarket near me - to get some ideas about what to brew next. (stuff like black sheep etc)

Thanks again - and I'll keep you updated on the progress of my 1st batch

Dave

You might want to check out the recipes area for your next batch. Or let us know what you like and I am sure someone can suggest you something.

Patience is the first virtue that you must learn as a homebrewer. It's not very often that you're going to see much fermentation activity in 2 hours , and you will certainly be best served by letting your beer age for a full 3 weeks in bottles before you drink it.

The best cure for impatience on a batch of beer is to make more.

Dude, I was just thinking that...:rockin: I'm bottling my first this week. When i do. It's brew time...

First and foremost - welcome to the board. Have fun and play!

What you're experiencing is normal - just leave it be! If nothing happens within a week, then let us know.