Help - Waiting for yeast to do its thing!

[Shema2000]

I used White Labs WLP940 Mexican Lager yeast in my 5gal lager recipe. Unfortunately, I was not able to create a yeast starter, but I did read a post somewhere about splitting the 5gal in half, with one with yeast, and one without for 1 day. The idea is that the 2.5 gal would get the yeast started. I added the other 2.5 gals together yesterday, and checked the bucket this am. No action from the airlock. I'm considering adding more yeast to the bucket, but wanted to check here for ideas. Thoughts???

 

[kh54s10]

Are you fermenting at lager temperatures? Near 50 degrees? If so it will take longer than ales to start up.

Also, if this is a true lager, with no starter you have way under-pitched even with the so-so starter procedure. I would expect that you needed about 4 vials of the yeast without making a starter.

It will probably ferment eventually, just not the optimum way.

 

[Shema2000]

Thanks for the reply. I've got the wort in the garage, and yesterday was pretty damp (in CT), so it was a little above the requested temp - was about 57 degrees.

 

[Shema2000]

 

[WoodlandBrew]

I was listening to a Beer Smith pod cast on Brewing lagers, and they said the number one most important thing with lagers is patience, and I agree.

Lager strains grow quite slowly, and the lower temperature makes it slower, but you're doing the right thing. It just needs time. Keep it cool.

 

[seagondollar]

Just used this yeast. I pitched 2 vials and got action at about day 2 at 54 deg. So if you can you should toss another vial in, it would be worth it.