Anxious 1st time lager...WLP833

[lindqur]

Hi - There are certainly many threads started on this topic, but I do not feel there is one that is convincing me "all is good" with my first lager batch.

In short, on Sunday (July 22) we brewed an Oktoberfest. After the boil, our gravity level was 1.085 (yeah, pretty high). The day prior, I made a yeast starter (2 vials of WLP833). Today is 4-days since the pitch, I have the primary fermenter in a chest freezer (sitting at 50F +/- 3 F).

Current state, I am getting bubbles consistently every 5-6 seconds. I am happy to see that, but I am continually expecting more churning and a higher frequnecy of gas emission - but I only have ales to compare it to.

As a whole, I am comfortable, but I am looking for some assurance from some seasoned vets.

Thanks,

 

[g-star]

Lager fermentations are not as vigorous as ale ferms, so don't expect it to be like what your used to.

That said, 1.085 is extremely high for a lager, even a bock. You need about 650 billion cells for a 5 gallon batch. How big was your starter? 2 tubes of yeast and a 2L starter is a serious under pitch.

 

[lindqur]

Yeah...it was only a 2L... I am bummed. You confirmed my suspicions, I should have done a bit more confirmation.

I can't give all the specifics, only because i am at work, but i was really suprised by my gravity reading. Pre-boil, I was 1.055/6, I thought I was sitting pretty...

I am going to get another liter in their tomorrow.

Thank you.

 

[osagedr]

Your pre-boil gravity was in the upper range of the OG style guidelines for a 3B. You've made a Bocktoberfest! *I crack myself up*

Yes you underpitched. Be sure to do your diacetyl rest on the early side to ensure a strong finish to fermentation. I have no idea what you should expect as a FG but I bet it won't be much under 1.030.