First batch, and a question

[ARittner]

Was wondering today if I accidentally murdered the yeast before I even started. I had left the extract kits, with the yeast packets, in my car for a day or two, being distracted by life in general. It's summer, I'm sure the car got pretty hot. NOW I read that it's not a bad idea to keep the yeast in the fridge until use. Maybe I killed a few of them? I don't know. It's also down to 62/63 in the basement. They may just be taking their time.

It probably won't be a total disaster. As long as it isn't deadly poison, I'm happy.

-A

 

[ARittner]

Bottling night! I have been spending almost the last two months reading these boards, and took what I considered the best ideas from various people here. That being the case, bottling went really well. It took forever, although I'd say 75% of the time was setting up and sanitizing.

I took my final FG before I added the sugar. It was 1.013, so I ended up pretty much on target. OG was 1.046. I had some concern midway through the batch about the high SG after my primary, but I think now it was because my basement got so cold for a week. The temp down there came up this week, and it looks like the yeast finished their job.

Somewhere along the line, I lost about a half-gallon. Not sure how that happened, I guess sampling, and not taking every last drop from the carboy, so that I didn't suck up the swirling trub.

So, the bottles are away in some tubs (in case of explosion) and in the warmer area of the basement. It's about 90* upstairs, so the 70-72* in the basement will have to do.

Anyway, thanks for all the help throughout the process! I'll let you know how it turns out in about 3 weeks.

My next batch is a Belgian Wit extract kit, which I suppose I'll get started in a couple days.

-A