Didn't use a yeast starter? What will happen?

[jamie3]

I recently did a PM of the Blue Balls Belgian Whit.

Not realizing that I needed a yeast starter I pitched the yeast directly in the wort (after letting it swell for 12 hours).

I am wondering what will happen to the beer? Will it simply take longer to ferment? If so how many extra, days should I add to my primary/secondary to compensate for not using a yeast starter?

heres the original recipe:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f71/blue-balls-belgian-wit-blue-moon-clone-24978/

much thanks!

 

[ArcaneXor]

It'll be fine for this beer since its original gravity is low and Witbiers can benefit from some extra yeast flavor produced during the reproduction phase. As long as you aerated well, you'll be ok.

Don't secondary a Witbier. It's counter-productive to do so.

Let the beer sit in the primary for at least 10 days, then start taking hydrometer readings. Once the readings are stable and close to what you expected the final gravity to be, you'll be good to bottle/keg.

 

[jamie3]

phew!

ill just keeper in the primary until i get close to the FG then.

 

[dvdfnzwbr]

There is no schedule for primary fermentation. After vigorous fermentation and a 7 day time frame, if the bubbles in the airlock are a minute apart your done. Then secondary.



Pitching yeast at a low volume can produce off flavors. Since your packed swelled you know that you have a viable yeast and should be safe. It will just take longer to achieve a vigorous fermentation.

 

[ArcaneXor]

Do yourself a favor and do not watch that Alton Brown episode. His process has major flaws and is unlikely to produce good beer.

 

[dvdfnzwbr]

Do yourself a favor and do not watch that Alton Brown episode. His process has major flaws and is unlikely to produce good beer.

Maybe so, but I remebered Alton's advice on airlock activity that has worked very well for me and I make use of it with every brew. Perhaps he doesn't present a text book approach in a 30 minute television show but you can learn something from everyone. My father had an old saying in German, "Even the floor sweeper has good ideas."