I have a problem, here's my story.
I boiled an old can of John Bull Amber Hopped and 1.5 lbs Muntons malt extract in 1.5 gal of water, adding hops at 15, 30 and 40 minutes of a 45-minute boil period. Strained into a carboy containing 3.5 gals water.
Specific Gravity at 70 degrees measured 1.040 for an actual SG of 1.044.
I pitched the yeast when the wort chilled to 75 degrees.
That was four days ago; after several vigorous shakings of the carboy, there is no sign of fermentation. I called my local shop (which specializes in wine, thus the old--and I mean old, as in bulging, can of John Bull) and he said I should stop by and get some yeast starter, but I should do it soon. But I commute and I can't visit the store until Saturday, six days after the boil.
Should I abandon and start all over? Both the color of the wort (very dark) and the aroma/taste (caramelly/coffee) tell me I am not going to like this brew even it I can somehow resurrect it. I like bright, hoppy beers (i.e., Sierra Nevada).
I appreciate any guidance you all can offer.
I boiled an old can of John Bull Amber Hopped and 1.5 lbs Muntons malt extract in 1.5 gal of water, adding hops at 15, 30 and 40 minutes of a 45-minute boil period. Strained into a carboy containing 3.5 gals water.
Specific Gravity at 70 degrees measured 1.040 for an actual SG of 1.044.
I pitched the yeast when the wort chilled to 75 degrees.
That was four days ago; after several vigorous shakings of the carboy, there is no sign of fermentation. I called my local shop (which specializes in wine, thus the old--and I mean old, as in bulging, can of John Bull) and he said I should stop by and get some yeast starter, but I should do it soon. But I commute and I can't visit the store until Saturday, six days after the boil.
Should I abandon and start all over? Both the color of the wort (very dark) and the aroma/taste (caramelly/coffee) tell me I am not going to like this brew even it I can somehow resurrect it. I like bright, hoppy beers (i.e., Sierra Nevada).
I appreciate any guidance you all can offer.