cbitter
Member
I just started my first batch of cider. But I can't seem to get the fermentation going, and I'm wondering how long I wait before I pour this batch down the drain.
I started with 5g of freshly-pressed, unpreserved, unpasteurized local cider in a brewing pail, and I added 5 crushed Campden tablets to wipe out any native yeasts.
24 hours after adding the Campden, I added yeast nutrient and, shortly thereafter, 2 packets of Nottingham ale yeast.
24 hours after adding the Nottingham, nothing... no action whatsoever. I was concerned that perhaps I hadn't properly hydrated the yeast (admittedly, I just tossed the yeast in the pail and stirred a little), so I carefully hydrated 2 more packets, and added them. Almost 24 more hours and still nothing. No action in the airlock, and - if I check under the lid - the cider's surface appears clean and clear.
So, now I'm 48 hours out since I added the first Nottingham, and 72 hours since I started with the fresh juice.
How much longer do I wait? And (I assume there's no point in re-pitching again) at what point should I consider this batch spoiled?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts/ wisdom you have.
I started with 5g of freshly-pressed, unpreserved, unpasteurized local cider in a brewing pail, and I added 5 crushed Campden tablets to wipe out any native yeasts.
24 hours after adding the Campden, I added yeast nutrient and, shortly thereafter, 2 packets of Nottingham ale yeast.
24 hours after adding the Nottingham, nothing... no action whatsoever. I was concerned that perhaps I hadn't properly hydrated the yeast (admittedly, I just tossed the yeast in the pail and stirred a little), so I carefully hydrated 2 more packets, and added them. Almost 24 more hours and still nothing. No action in the airlock, and - if I check under the lid - the cider's surface appears clean and clear.
So, now I'm 48 hours out since I added the first Nottingham, and 72 hours since I started with the fresh juice.
How much longer do I wait? And (I assume there's no point in re-pitching again) at what point should I consider this batch spoiled?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts/ wisdom you have.