I started doing homework after my first extract w/grains lager brew (mistake 1)...and discovered that I underpitched my lager with 1 Wyeast 2206 Activator pkg (no starter - mistake 1B). I brewed this on Tusday and pitched at about 1 pm. After realizing that I underpitched (and that I had no way to get more lager yeast until wed night), I kept the fermenter at 70-71 for 36 hours. I did aerate well (5 min) with a drill-attached stir rod.
Although there were no visible signs of ferm. after 36 hours (no airlock activity, no kruasen), my gravity last night was 1.03. Although I did not take a starting gravity reading (Mistake 2), Beersmith 2.0 pegged it at 1.049. In addition, though loose measurement, I used slightly more grain and extract than the recipe called for. So, I assume the starting gravity was at least 1.049 if not slightly higher. This lead me to the conclusion that fermentation was happening and when I applied a bit of pressure to the bucket lid, I did get some bubbles (twice, an hour apart).
I moved this into the ferm chamber last night at 65 degrees and plan on dropping 5 degrees every 12-18 hours until I get to 50 degrees. I can get more yeast tonight and pitch it (either a similar whilte labs strain or safalager), but at this point, am I better off just letting this thing run its course and seeing what happens?
Thanks in advance.
Although there were no visible signs of ferm. after 36 hours (no airlock activity, no kruasen), my gravity last night was 1.03. Although I did not take a starting gravity reading (Mistake 2), Beersmith 2.0 pegged it at 1.049. In addition, though loose measurement, I used slightly more grain and extract than the recipe called for. So, I assume the starting gravity was at least 1.049 if not slightly higher. This lead me to the conclusion that fermentation was happening and when I applied a bit of pressure to the bucket lid, I did get some bubbles (twice, an hour apart).
I moved this into the ferm chamber last night at 65 degrees and plan on dropping 5 degrees every 12-18 hours until I get to 50 degrees. I can get more yeast tonight and pitch it (either a similar whilte labs strain or safalager), but at this point, am I better off just letting this thing run its course and seeing what happens?
Thanks in advance.