Another lager yeast question

[jpakstis]

Hi everyone -


On Sunday I brewed a 2.5 gallon batch of bohemian pilsner. The OG was 1.062. I got it cooled to about 65 degrees and used WLP800 yeast. I did not try to create a starter but just pitched it in after shaking it per the instructions.

Its been fermenting between 55-60. Its been a little over 3 1/2 days and I don't have any Krausen forming. I can tell there is some airlock activity but it certainly hasn't been bubbling at any appreciable rate while I have been watching it.

Should I just keep waiting? Or should I pitch a new yeast. And if so since I don't have a stir plate or anything, should I try to create a starter?

Thanks everyone!

 

[d3track]

800 is a slow starter for me, but not that slow. Is it in a bucket or carboy that you can see there's no krausen?

 

[jpakstis]

800 is a slow starter for me, but not that slow. Is it in a bucket or carboy that you can see there's no krausen?

It is in a carboy so I can see. However an update: this morning I checked it and the yeast is slowly starting to rise and flocculate on the surface so (for the moment anyways) my fears have been allayed.

 

[d3track]

Sweet you are good to go! I have wlp800 in the fermentor now, and it took about 36 hrs to show anything with 4 liter starter.

 

[jpakstis]

Sweet you are good to go! I have wlp800 in the fermentor now, and it took about 36 hrs to show anything with 4 liter starter.

Yeah, my lesson for next time is to make a starter (it may force me to get off my butt and get a stir plate too). OR my lesson is to never make a lager again!

I asked my dad what kind of beer he'd like for when they host Christmas and he said a pilsner so I guess I put this on myself.

 

[jpakstis]

Another update: it's foaming up pretty good and thick this morning so I'm feeling even better.