Pitch or dump and start over

[Ortonryan]

Hey all. I brewed an IPA yesterday and planned to use Omega’s Hornindal to ferment. I’ve never used liquid yeast before. I thought I did everything right, kept everything sanitary, aerated the wort well, kept temps fairly high (79) and consistent. But 10 hours later and there’s absolutely no activity. I was worried about the vitality as I live in an area with no LHBS and have order online. I had actually gotten a second type of yeast (Imperial Flagship) and it has exploded enroute. That brings me to my question. The replacement imperial is due to arrive this afternoon. Do I pitch that and try to save this beer or count it as a loss and start over? Re-oxygenate the wort? Thanks for any help you can give me! I’m excited to move into liquid yeast and saving cultures but this first experience makes me want to go back to US-05!

 

[DVCNick]

10 hours isn't that long, I would just wait longer for now.

But with liquid yeast you should pretty much always do a starter in my opinion especially if you have questions about the vitality of the packet. I've got several liquid packets in the summer heat and all of them were fine with a starter. If you happen to have one that was totally dead though, this would prove that without having to possibly waste a whole beer finding out.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Agreed 10 hrs isn't long. And normally I'd agree with the starter suggestion but Kveik strains are rock stars at poor rates so it may not be an issue. They also can ferment stupid fast (like done in 48 hrs). Check the gravity tomorrow. Either it'll be active and no worries, or it'll already be done. If the gravity hasn't changed much, then consider repitching at that point.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Could check the pH of it as well, if you have a meter. It should show a pH drop as it's
getting going. And the pH drop should be observable before much gravity drop/CO2 production. I don't know for sure with Hornindal but most Kveik strains it seems to be a very rapid and significant drop (as opposed to lager yeasts that drop pH more slowly and don't drop as far on the other end of the spectrum).

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

Let it ride your pitch temp is okay but a little low to expect it to take off like a beast.

 

[Saunassa]

The last blonde I made with Hornindal from Omega was a 6 month old pouch. Took about 15 hours before I could really see it working then within an hour it was a bubbling. With that old of a pouch I should have made a starter but all turned out well. Guess I should check my liquid yeast before starting the boil

 

[AJinJacksonville]

Agreed. Give it time.

 

[myndflyte]

Give it time and raise the temp into the 80s if you can, or higher. Kveik strains like it nice and warm.

 

[Saunassa]

If you don't have a warm place like a garage or heating belt/wrap then fill up a tub with hot water and set fermenter in it.

 

[Genuine]

I've had some yeasts take up to 24-36 hours to show activity. If after 36 hours and nothing, then I'd get concerned.