Forgot to aerate before pitching...

[MrBJones]

Yesterday I brewed Jamil's Scottish ale. Usually shake the heck out of the carboy to aerate before pitching...but just now realized that this time I totally forgot. Using Wyeast 1728 (Scottish Ale) at 60º -- pitched about 12 hours ago. I checked it a little while ago, seems to be no activity.

What do you think I should do...take it out of the chamber, shake, and put it back?

Incidentally, I usually have a good deal of activity by this time.

 

[kh54s10]

I don't think it would hurt and would probably help to aerate it now.

 

[MrBJones]

Would there be any risk of oxidizing?

 

[MrBJones]

When I said there seemed to be no activity, I was basing it on not hearing any burps. When I opened the freezer, here's what I saw (click image for larger).



Do I have a problem worse than not aerating? Or is it just the start of activity.

By the way, I didn't shake...

 

[myndflyte]

Just looks like yeast floating on the top. How did you transfer to the carboy? Did you run it through a tube into the bottom of the carboy or something more vigorous like pouring it through a funnel? If the former, then you may consider shaking it. Oxidation won't really be an issue before fermentation begins so you'll be ok.

If the latter, then it probably got some aeration but again, if you want to shake it, as long as fermentation hasn't started, oxidation won't be an issue.

 

[brewcat]

Just wait. Having the yeast start slower gives a Scottish part of its character.

 

[MrBJones]

How did you transfer to the carboy? Did you run it through a tube into the bottom of the carboy or something more vigorous like pouring it through a funnel?

If the latter, then it probably got some aeration but again, if you want to shake it, as long as fermentation hasn't started, oxidation won't be an issue.

I poured it in with a funnel. Was a 1.5L starter; wasn't decanted, just poured the whole thing all at once, so it was a little splashy.

 

[Upthewazzu]

You'll be fine. Let it ride.

 

[myndflyte]

I poured it in with a funnel. Was a 1.5L starter; wasn't decanted, just poured the whole thing all at once, so it was a little splashy.

Sorry, I meant how did you transfer the wort from your boil kettle to the carboy? But honestly, I think you'll be fine, it's just starting a little slower than you're used to.

 

[MrBJones]

Sorry, I meant how did you transfer the wort from your boil kettle to the carboy? But honestly, I think you'll be fine, it's just starting a little slower than you're used to.

Ahh, gotcha. It went from the kettle's valve, through a tube.

Within the last hour or so I started getting some activity. Think the 60º might be too low? It's middle of the yeast's range; I went with it instead of 65 thinking that it would lead to a cleaner fermentation.

 

[MapleGroveAleworks]

You're fine. No need to aerate at this point.

 

[myndflyte]

Agree ^^. Now that things have started, there is no need to aerate.

 

[Clef051]

Don’t worry about it’s pretty rare that I do anything to aerate. I’ve never had a problem with a beer finishing at the desired fg. Usually I end up below it. Seeing the yeast rafts in there means something is happening.