So, I did my first all grain batch today, which went fine except for a massive boil over (more due to inattention than anything).
My problem wasn't my all grain set up, or calculations or anything like that. It was my starter. I made one Friday night and left it on the stir plate all night. By the time we'd cooled the wort, and were ready to pitch, there was still no signs of activity. So, I went to the LHBS (who were not helpful), and got another smack pack. Made another starter.
That's right. Nothing. After about 6 hours, no signs of anything. Being basically out of options, I decided to pitch what was in the Erlenmeyer flask before bed just to see if anything will be there in the morning. I am not terribly confident.
What the hell happened? I did exactly as I've done before, and I've usually had explosive results on the stir plate. Or at least a nice thick layer of yeast at the bottom of the flask after a few hours. I find it hard to believe that I managed to buy 2 smack packs that were bad news. I don't really care about the $6 that I pumped down the drain. I am more concerned that I suddenly can't make a viable yeast starter. Here's what I do:
-2 cups water with 1/2 cup dme and a pinch of nutrient
-boil 15 minutes
-cool
-aerate on the stir plate for 20 minutes
-pitch smack pack
-stir slowly until it's time to pitch
Is there anything that I'm missing, or did lightning strike twice and I bought 2 bad smack packs from 2 different places in a row?
My problem wasn't my all grain set up, or calculations or anything like that. It was my starter. I made one Friday night and left it on the stir plate all night. By the time we'd cooled the wort, and were ready to pitch, there was still no signs of activity. So, I went to the LHBS (who were not helpful), and got another smack pack. Made another starter.
That's right. Nothing. After about 6 hours, no signs of anything. Being basically out of options, I decided to pitch what was in the Erlenmeyer flask before bed just to see if anything will be there in the morning. I am not terribly confident.
What the hell happened? I did exactly as I've done before, and I've usually had explosive results on the stir plate. Or at least a nice thick layer of yeast at the bottom of the flask after a few hours. I find it hard to believe that I managed to buy 2 smack packs that were bad news. I don't really care about the $6 that I pumped down the drain. I am more concerned that I suddenly can't make a viable yeast starter. Here's what I do:
-2 cups water with 1/2 cup dme and a pinch of nutrient
-boil 15 minutes
-cool
-aerate on the stir plate for 20 minutes
-pitch smack pack
-stir slowly until it's time to pitch
Is there anything that I'm missing, or did lightning strike twice and I bought 2 bad smack packs from 2 different places in a row?