When did this ferment?!?!?!

[brandona33]

Brewed up a batch of Brown Ale on Sunday (3/30) and took the OG @ 1.056. Thru Tuesday night I haven't seen the airlock bubble once. Wednesday still no activity. I followed a recipe I have made 2 times previously and it was great beer. The only thing I did different was rehydrate the Nottingham yeast in water that ws boiled then cooled to 89 deg. I never read the back of the packet before, I usually sprinkled it on the wort dry and sealed.
Wed night I was concerned, so I sanitized my Hydrometer and took the FG, @ 65 deg it was 1.010, where I want it. I know its done, but it happened in 3 days with no airlock bubbles.

Can anyone explain this??
It smells right, and had bubbles/Krausen on top, I just haven't, in my 3 months experience, seen anything ferment this quickly, especially when I am duplicating a previous batch. Thought it would be more predictable.

 

[mr x]

Airlock activity is not a sure indication of fermentation. A small leak and it won't bubble.

 

[brandona33]

Thought it was sealed well, but that could be it. How do we explain it fermenting 4 days quicker than usual?

 

[mr x]

Could have been the rehydration of the yeast. Healthier yeast, stronger start and more heat from fermentation resulting in quicker time to finish.

 

[Revvy]

The fermentation fairies were well pleased with you!

(I usually leave them a thimble full of my previous brew as an offering.)

Here's an actual picture of the german variety!

(You can find anything on googleimage!)

 

[brandona33]

Thanks guys! All my friends love that stuff, and 5 gal/wk helps me keep up with demands. I was afraid I was going to be dry for a week