So with the power off all day, and a full moon, it seemed like an ideal brew day. I formulated an ESB using DC LME and panela. The only slight worry was the yeast which I harvested from my last batch. I did everything as sanitised as I could, but when I made up the starter I kid of expected a bit more foaming. Anyhow I pitched the yeast about 1pm at 22C, and by 3pm I already was getting plenty of activity. I guess the yeast was OK after all. From what I understand such a short lag time is not necessarily a bad thing, although rather surprising.
Recipe was:
1 Kg DC LME
650g panela
35g Quinfica powdered hops @ 10 mins
30g Quinfica powdered hops @ 50 mins
Batch size 10 litres
Calculated OG 1.054, Target FG 1.015, ABV 5.12%
Yeast was probably muntons, which is not really a highly regarded yeast, but seems to be doing the job.
I guess it should be ready to sample in about a month, just in time for my birthday