Dry Lager Yeast Lag time?

[jleiii]

I picked up a package of Brewferm Lager yeast for a lager that I was doing a few weeks ago, but due to an oops in the grain bill, did not use it. I put it in my cooler for future reference. I re-did that one using liquid yeast starter.

On Sunday I did a Doppelbock, and decided to use the dry yeast, mostly because I forgot to get my starter on, again..... I rehydrated according to the package, which closely matches the sticky in this forum, and 72 hrs later, not a hint of activity. I had a liquid yeast fail in a lager last fall, and repitched a few days later, but that batch spoiled, big time. I think the original yeast was bad due to bad handling before I got it, and that caused the problem.

So, how long can a carboy of wort at 55F last before fermentation starts, and still have a decent beer? This is a special brew I'm doing for my Neice's wedding party and special guests, and can't risk it failing. Should I repitch a fresh batch (I have one in a starter on day 2 now), and hope for the best, or redo the batch? I'm already losing a week of the 2 month lager phase as it is, and this would be another week setback.

 

[jleiii]

As of this morning there is the faintest hint of activity, an ever so slight layer of bubbles on the surface beginning to form.
Still looking for any feedback.

 

[zachattack]

What was the gravity? Did you only use one packet? Lagers need much more yeast than ales, it's not unusual for a lager to take 2+ packets of dry yeast. or 4+ of liquid yeast. This is why gigantic starters are often recommended.

http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html

 

[jleiii]

OG was 1.052. The yeast was lager yeast and much larger than an ale packet. Ive had no issues with lagers and single liquid yeast with starters in 6 or so lagers I've done. Except the spoiled one.

 

[aryoung1980]

So, how long can a carboy of wort at 55F last before fermentation starts, and still have a decent beer? .

My assumption is you'll be fine. I've had the unfortunate experience of pitching a two-step (2L, decant, another 2L) starter in a 1.051 lager at 54F with an 80 hour lag time. No off-flavors were detected.




Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[jleiii]

Still not getting much activity. I think it's time to pitch the liquid starter I've been running. Too much yeast can't be a bad thing.