First of all I'd just like to let the people on this website that participate in the discussions with all their information and data that they have enabled me, via their excellent input, to actually build my own brewing rig and produce my first 3 batches of beer. Where I live there is absolutely nobody that participates in this hobby that I'm aware of and as a result this site has been incredibly beneficial toward my efforts and I see no reason that it shouldn't continue to be. The latter belonged in an introductory area, I'm sure.
Now that I have the "Thank you's" out of the way I have a problem I'm uncertain about and haven't been able to find the correct answer via my searches.
I, (Because I'm known as Cryhavoc on the internet and have been for about 15 years) purchased some White Labs Signature Series Cry Havoc yeast, (WLP862 - use before OCT 22 11). In my exuberance I did purchase this in July, (I live in Louisiana) and when it arrived the "cold pack" was completely melted and everything in the container was at outside temperature, (about 90+). However, I was home when it arrived and I refrigerated it at once. I have had it about 2 weeks.
This is my second starter, (I have a stir plate) and I boiled 1400ml of water with 6oz DME for 15 minutes. I cooled to 70 degrees and had had my yeast out for about 2 hours prior to "pitching".
The next morning I saw no activity so I removed it from the stir plate and let it sit and still didn't see any yeast residue. I tested the gravity and it was at 1.040 so I tasted the sample and it was sweet.
Does this indicate my yeast was damaged in transit?
This evening I have repeated my efforts with another vial and will know more tomorrow I suppose.
Perhaps I should mention that I used an airlock on the first attempt with an Erlenmeyer flask which is still sitting there looking at me with an attitude and no activity that I can detect. The second attempt is with another Erlenmeyer flask using a piece of tin foil. Also on the first attempt I utilized my oxygen, (sanitized of course) to aerate the wort/DME. The second attempt I merely have shaken and placed upon the stir plate hoping for better results.
I wish to become proficient at this and what to task experienced people with their input regarding my mistakes or missteps.
I'll add that my sanitation procedures are what I consider to be extremely good and I have what I consider to be top of the line equipment and test implements all calibrated and verified.
I kegged my first brew, & American Brown Ale and it's outstanding, although bitter. I think it'll settle a bit. I have 2 5gal batches of a Sam Adams Summer Ale clone fermenting, 5 gal of which hit the keg tonight, (I think I went overboard with the lemon zest LOL).
I have built an HERMS system to brew with with Ranco controllers until I get my control panel built. The pics are in my little "Man Cave".
Any input will be very welcome and thanks again!
Now that I have the "Thank you's" out of the way I have a problem I'm uncertain about and haven't been able to find the correct answer via my searches.
I, (Because I'm known as Cryhavoc on the internet and have been for about 15 years) purchased some White Labs Signature Series Cry Havoc yeast, (WLP862 - use before OCT 22 11). In my exuberance I did purchase this in July, (I live in Louisiana) and when it arrived the "cold pack" was completely melted and everything in the container was at outside temperature, (about 90+). However, I was home when it arrived and I refrigerated it at once. I have had it about 2 weeks.
This is my second starter, (I have a stir plate) and I boiled 1400ml of water with 6oz DME for 15 minutes. I cooled to 70 degrees and had had my yeast out for about 2 hours prior to "pitching".
The next morning I saw no activity so I removed it from the stir plate and let it sit and still didn't see any yeast residue. I tested the gravity and it was at 1.040 so I tasted the sample and it was sweet.
Does this indicate my yeast was damaged in transit?
This evening I have repeated my efforts with another vial and will know more tomorrow I suppose.
Perhaps I should mention that I used an airlock on the first attempt with an Erlenmeyer flask which is still sitting there looking at me with an attitude and no activity that I can detect. The second attempt is with another Erlenmeyer flask using a piece of tin foil. Also on the first attempt I utilized my oxygen, (sanitized of course) to aerate the wort/DME. The second attempt I merely have shaken and placed upon the stir plate hoping for better results.
I wish to become proficient at this and what to task experienced people with their input regarding my mistakes or missteps.
I'll add that my sanitation procedures are what I consider to be extremely good and I have what I consider to be top of the line equipment and test implements all calibrated and verified.
I kegged my first brew, & American Brown Ale and it's outstanding, although bitter. I think it'll settle a bit. I have 2 5gal batches of a Sam Adams Summer Ale clone fermenting, 5 gal of which hit the keg tonight, (I think I went overboard with the lemon zest LOL).
I have built an HERMS system to brew with with Ranco controllers until I get my control panel built. The pics are in my little "Man Cave".
Any input will be very welcome and thanks again!
