Delayed Fermentation

[DayLghtBreaks]

Just brewed up the Wookie Jack clone from this forum this past Saturday, everything went smooth, hit my OG at 1.082 going for 1.080 (I'll take it). Being lazy and having a 6 month old, I decided against making a starter and just put in two vials of WLP002 into the fermenter holding at 62°. Typically I see some fermentation within 24 hours, not this time. I waited two days and still didn't see any action, I decided to add a teaspoon of Yeast energizer and raise the temp to 64°. Next day still nothing, in a panic I ordered some Safale S-04 last night, should be here later this afternoon.

Well lo and behold, before I go to work this morning I check on it and the thing is cranking away. Never had a fermentation take so long to start in all my years of brewing. The WLP002 I purchased was a few months old, maybe that was the cause of the delay? Guess I'll get to use the S-04 for another brew.

 

[rburrelli]

You are probably right about the age of the yeast packs. Long lag time for the yeast to get up to speed. That was exceptionally long in your case.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Just brewed up the Wookie Jack clone from this forum this past Saturday, everything went smooth, hit my OG at 1.082 going for 1.080 (I'll take it). Being lazy and having a 6 month old, I decided against making a starter and just put in two vials of WLP002 into the fermenter holding at 62°. Typically I see some fermentation within 24 hours, not this time. I waited two days and still didn't see any action, I decided to add a teaspoon of Yeast energizer and raise the temp to 64°. Next day still nothing, in a panic I ordered some Safale S-04 last night, should be here later this afternoon.

Well lo and behold, before I go to work this morning I check on it and the thing is cranking away. Never had a fermentation take so long to start in all my years of brewing. The WLP002 I purchased was a few months old, maybe that was the cause of the delay? Guess I'll get to use the S-04 for another brew.

Suspect it's both the age of the yeast packs and the lack of a starter, coupled with the high OG.

The longest I've ever had was between 92-96 hours with Mangrove Jack Bavarian Lager yeast back when they were fairly new (easily 3-4 years ago). And that was an average strength beer, and I think I pitched 4 packs of yeast into ~10.5 gallons of wort. I was VERY shocked at the lag time on that one.

But yeah, for something of 1.082 strength, I'd definitely recommend a starter. Or for 5 gallons, 2 [or even 3] packets of dry yeast.

 

[DayLghtBreaks]

Yeah, when I brew lagers it takes about 2 days before I see any sign of fermentation. But for ales I typically see it going in a day or less. Looking back, a starter would have been a safer option. I just hope the yeast can do its thing and doesn't crap out on me.

 

[Bobby_M]

A month old liquid pack is already 80% viable. At 2mos its 50% and that is under ideal storage.