A little reassurance

[jdman65]

I brewed a 5 gallon extract Octoberfest ale kit that on the recommendation of my LHBS I used WLP029 as my yeast. They told me that there was no need for a started is my og was 1.055. Yesterday was brew day. At 0830 I removed my yeast from the fridge I turned and burped the vial through out the day till I pitched it at 1600 hrs. After finishing my boil I rapidly cooled my wort and the aerated via pump and stainless stone. I then pitched my yeast at 64 degrees(the low end according to white labs packaging). I sealed up my bucket and and set up my air lock. I stored the bucket in my dining room at 71 degrees. 18 hours later no bubbles in my air lock. Any thoughts. I need this beer in a keg by sept 12th.

 

[MrFeltimo]

let it warm up some, im sure its fine.

 

[jdman65]

Warmer than 71? I Can move it to an upstairs bedroom.

 

[chickypad]

No you're already on the warm side. 18 hrs without a starter is not much time, leave it be a bit.

 

[m00ps]

71 degrees is too high for most ale yeasts, especially if you want something clean like a kolsch. Especially since the actual fermentation temp in the middle will likely be aorund 73. This will create fruity off flavors or esters you dont want in a kolsch Mid 60s would be best.

You can have the beer ready by that time, but you wont be able to lager it for longer than a week or so. Lagering usually takes 6-8 weeks months or so. Hopefully there will be enough time for any off flavors created by fermenting higher to dissapate before serving

 

[frazier]

No not warmer. You really just need to give it more time. If it takes an extra day to get started, that's not going to significantly affect your finishing time, so relax.

If it were my batch, I'd have it in a swamp cooler aiming for +/- 65*. 71 seems too warm to me.

 

[Calypso]

You're fermenting in a bucket. They tend to have terrible seals. I have four bucket fermenters and almost never get airlock activity on any of them. The only time I recall getting activity is with a 1.100 OG dark strong that was spewing krausen out the blowoff tube for four straight days.

Some people seal up their buckets with tape to improve the seal, so they can see the airlock activity. I wouldn't bother, but if it makes you feel better, give it a try.