Putting yeast in

[stevedapommie]

Hi all, I have a question regarding sprinkling yeast into the wort. I sprinkled the yeast o to the top and it has sunk to the bottom in a "sludge" straight away. Should I stir it or leave it there?? It's a pale ale brew. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Wolfbayte]

I think you will be OK. There are threads upon threads regarding stirring or not stirring yeast. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f13/stir-yeast-59522/

I've gone both ways (hey now!) and gotten good beer either way.

There are also threads upon threads regarding rehydrating or dry pitching packaged yeast. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/rehydrating-yeast-82570/

I've gotten good beers from either method.

I think your beer will be fine. Airlock it up, put in your favorite dark fermenting place at the proper temp.

Just remember, it takes homebrew to make homebrew, so crack open a cold one and RDWHAHB.

 

[wildactbrewer]

How long ago did you pitch your yeast? When dry yeast rehydrates it does resemble a sludge, but I think a lot of what you are seeing is also break/hop material. If it's only been a few hours then it probably hasn't had time to really get going.

If nothing happens after 72 hours I would consider giving it a stir or re-pitching. You'll know when it starts to take off. It'll look like the tastiest lava lamp you've ever seen!

 

[stevedapommie]

Thanks, only a couple of hours ago, my worry is that it didn't float on top really, just sunk to the bottom!

 

[wildactbrewer]

Yeah, that's normal. Dry yeast will rehydrate and fall to the bottom for a period of time before it really starts active fermentation. This is called the lag phase. Some tips for speeding this up:

1. Make sure your pitching temp is on point.

2. Aerate your wort prior to pitching by either shaking the crap out of it for a few minutes or using an air stone.

3. This one is debatable but I always rehydrate my dry yeast per the instructions on the pack.

Good luck on your batch! If you have questions about any of this just do a search of the forums. There is plenty of info on all of it!

Cheers!