No fermentation....please help!!!

[cbauer210]

I has been about 22 hours since pitching the yeast into a Sierra Clone and still no action. At about 15 hours I shook the crap out of the fermenter and got about 2 or 3 bubbles out of the airlock a couple hours later. Now back to nothing again. I used a White Labs California Ale Yeast in a pitchable tube. The yeast was fresh. I let the tube warm up to room temp for about 4 hours before pitching. I violently shook and stired the wart before puting the lid on it. The wart was cooled to about 70 degrees when it when in. I have kept the fermenter between 68 to 75 degrees. I checked the seal around the bucket and it all looks good. I dont get it. I have a pack of dry ale yeast in the fridge. How much longer should I wait before trying to pitch that one? What eles could be the problem? Any help pleaaaaase!

 

[McKBrew]

My advice, is the same advice that has been given to me. Relax. Give it another day or so, then if nothing happens I would definately ask for advice from one of the more senior guys. I am dealing with a similar situation right now.

I think even though White Labs is supposed to be pitchable, I will be making a starter in the future. Probably a good idea, no matter what the situation and most of the more experienced brewers recommend it.

 

[the_bird]

22 hours isn't nearly long enought to worry - but do a search on "starters" for next time. Dry yeast doesn't need one, liquid usually does.

 

[homebrewer_99]

One of my rules is NEVER brew without first having a good starter.

 

[Mike-H]

Liquid yeast can take up to 4 days and even longer depending on the temps to start vigorous fermentation. I dont know why white labs even calls this "pitchable". Dont worry though, your brew will be fine, it'll just take a little longer. Here's some tips:

Get involved in the whole re-using, making starters hoopla OR
Simply use dry yeast

 

[Hopfan]

A watched pot never stitches in time for the two birds in the bush...RDWHAHB

 

[cbauer210]

Started bubbling away at about 1am. Just about exactly 24 hours. Thanks for the replies.

 

[dcbrewmeister]

Liquid yeast can take up to 4 days and even longer depending on the temps to start vigorous fermentation. I dont know why white labs even calls this "pitchable". Dont worry though, your brew will be fine, it'll just take a little longer. Here's some tips:

Get involved in the whole re-using, making starters hoopla OR
Simply use dry yeast

Yup - I tried it once and couldn't find a reason to use it again.

Glad I'm cheap and just use dry yeast - have yet (knocking on wood) to need a starter and it has always started close to 12hrs.

Nothing wrong with dry yeast IMO.

 

[Orfy]

Yup - I tried it once and couldn't find a reason to use it again.

Glad I'm cheap and just use dry yeast - have yet (knocking on wood) to need a starter and it has always started close to 12hrs.

Nothing wrong with dry yeast IMO.

I agree. I use dry yeast and have never waited more than 12 hours. Just racked on a dry yeast cake and It went within 45 minutes!

1/4 the price of liquid to boot and it's easier to keep.

 

[david_42]

Dried yeast does a great job every time. Some people object to the neutral fermentation, but unless you are doing something like a Belgian, I call it a positive.

 

[cbauer210]

What are the pros and cons to using dry yeast as opposed to liquid? I always just assumed the liquid was better because it cost more. I know it sounds stupid but I never spent too much time researching my yeast. I just match whatever liquid strand works with my beer style.

 

[Hopfan]

Dry yeasts tend to be limited in their range of selection and most are fairly neutral. Using liquid, you can dial in your flavors more and there is quite a large selection to choose from. I keep a supply of dry on hand and use liquid when I am trying to emulate a specific type of beer.