Concern about lack of fermentation

[Lukeewh]

Hi all, I am brand new to this whole thing, and I am sure that there is someone else who has asked this in the past but I didn't see it.

Just brewed up a batch of Brandon O's Graff Cider with home pressed apple juice.

Initial Gravity was 1.056 3 days ago, I pitched the yeast 3 days ago and have seen no activity since. Gravity as of this morning had not changed at all. Temperatures have been from the mid 60's - low 70's throughout. (I do not have a cooler so have been using ambient temps)

I have no issues waiting and continuing to measure the gravity, my concern is that if I wait the two weeks and nothing has happened is the whole batch shot? I would rather add more yeast to try again than risk losing the batch since I have no more apples to use.

 

[frazier]

What yeast did you use?

After 3 days, with no activity or change in gravity, I would pitch more. If dry yeast, rehydrate in boiled cooled water, or even make a starter to be sure.

 

[moorerm04]

What yeast dis you pitch?

 

[Lukeewh]

I used Safale-05 dry yeast, and re-hydrated it before pitching it.

 

[Monstar]

Weird. 05 usually goes crazy for me.

 

[Lukeewh]

Something that just crossed my mind. I had sprayed down the measuring cup I used to rehydrate with (easy clean) no rinse cleanser. I had poured off all excess fluid and then filled and hydrated the yeast. Could the remaining no rinse have killed my yeast?

 

[Monstar]

I doubt it. I do that with StarSan all the time.

 

[Seven]

Something that just crossed my mind. I had sprayed down the measuring cup I used to rehydrate with (easy clean) no rinse cleanser. I had poured off all excess fluid and then filled and hydrated the yeast. Could the remaining no rinse have killed my yeast?

What temperature was the water when you re-hydrated the yeast?

 

[moorerm04]

What temperature was the water when you re-hydrated the yeast?

x2??? I'd you rehydrated in too warm water you could have potentially killed your yeast. I think singing like 103f can be harmful to yeast.

 

[Lukeewh]

I honestly dont know for sure, it was lukewarm to the touch. Think I cooked them?

 

[Monstar]

Not if it was lukewarm. Maybe give it another day and repitch if the gravity is unchanged?

 

[Lukeewh]

Sounds good thanks. Hahaha this is harder for me to figure out than my reef tank rofl.

 

[moorerm04]

I honestly dont know for sure, it was lukewarm to the touch. Think I cooked them?

It's a possibility. You only pitched one pack on the 5 gallon batch? Right? I don't think you would be over pitching if you pitched another pack. Even though it's not a high gravity brew I think you would be best to repitch. Make sure you rehydrate within that yeast specific temp range and you should be fine.

 

[Lukeewh]

Yea only 1 pack. I will give it until tomorrow and then try a second pack.

 

[Lukeewh]

Well the report is in. I repitched last night when I got home from work since there had still been no activity. This morning the fermentation was in full swing. Thanks for the help