WLP029 Did not start fermentation

[FlabbyRoach]

If you only used one pack, you definitely underpitched. How much of an underpitch depends on how old the yeast was. but with that particular yeast at that OG, at the very least you should have pitched two packs or made a starter.

It should start fermenting eventually, but it's going to put a big strain on the yeast which will probably result in some off flavors. If your LBHS doesn't have this particular yeast, you should still be able to save it by pitching a pack of US-05. It'll be a different beer, but it should still be a drinkable beer (and who knows? maybe an amazing beer?).

As for the temp, as @wepeeler mentioned, temperature could also be an issue, but it was definitely underpitched. I use WLP029 frequently and usually pitch around 64 and let it free rise and ferment at 66 for a nice, clean Kolsch. Pitching additional yeast and leaving it at 68 should be good.

I have made this beer numerous times and had no issues with pitching one pack of yeast.
Usually starting fermentation after 12 hours.
I Guess there is always a first time.
I am going to try the US-05 yeast tonight.

 

[TestTickle]

I have made this beer numerous times and had no issues with pitching one pack of yeast.
Usually starting fermentation after 12 hours.
I Guess there is always a first time.
I am going to try the US-05 yeast tonight.

Perhaps it was just an older pack than you normally use or you had a bad pack...maybe this was just a one-off issue for you.

If the use by date on the pack was March of 2022, then the manufactured date was September of 2021. Underpitched beer will certainly ferment, but I am surprised you've had such success underpitching. 5 gallons of 1.052 wort would ideally need around 185 billion cells and the viability of that pack was around 50%.

If the beer tastes good to you, continue as you have been since you've had success. Just for kicks though, have you considered pitching two packs or making a starter some time just to see if it's possibly even better beer? I'm not going to pretend to be yeast nerd because I certainly am far from it, but most of my experiences with pitching that low have never ended well for my liking.

Regardless, good luck with the additional pitch! I'm sure it'll turn out just fine.

 

[wepeeler]

Nothing froze but the wort has been at 68 degrees for a full two days now.
I still have not seen any activity, small or otherwise.
100% sure of no leaks

Make a starter next time. I've seen activity as fast as 5 hours (my last neipa took off FAST!). With a cooler fermentation, like a Kolsch, you may see a longer lag time, but that is shortened with a starter. I think my last Kolsch started in less than 10 hours.

 

[hotbeer]

Substitutes for WLP-029 are K-97, G03, GY021, WY2565. SafAle K-97 is the only dry in that list. Don't know how common that particular one is for LHBS.

https://beermaverick.com/yeasts/yeast-substitutions-chart/
I only know how to spell Kolsch so I can't really say if S-05 or anything else will change the expected results too much.

 

[FlabbyRoach]

Perhaps it was just an older pack than you normally use or you had a bad pack...maybe this was just a one-off issue for you.

If the use by date on the pack was March of 2022, then the manufactured date was September of 2021. Underpitched beer will certainly ferment, but I am surprised you've had such success underpitching. 5 gallons of 1.052 wort would ideally need around 185 billion cells and the viability of that pack was around 50%.

If the beer tastes good to you, continue as you have been since you've had success. Just for kicks though, have you considered pitching two packs or making a starter some time just to see if it's possibly even better beer. I'm not going to pretend to be yeast nerd because I certainly am far from it, but most of my experiences with pitching that low have never ended well for my liking.

Regardless, good luck with the additional pitch! I'm sure it'll turn out just fine.

I will definitely make a starter next time.
Thanks

 

[FlabbyRoach]

Make a starter next time. I've seen activity as fast as 5 hours (my last neipa took off FAST!). With a cooler fermentation, like a Kolsch, you may see a longer lag time, but that is shortened with a starter. I think my last Kolsch started in less than 10 hours.

I will definitely make a starter next time.
Thanks

 

[FlabbyRoach]

Substitutes for WLP-029 are K-97, G03, GY021, WY2565. SafAle K-97 is the only dry in that list. Don't know how common that particular one is for LHBS.

https://beermaverick.com/yeasts/yeast-substitutions-chart/
I only know how to spell Kolsch so I can't really say if S-05 or anything else will change the expected results too much.

I will see what they have for substitute.

 

[FlabbyRoach]

Just wanted to update you all on progress
went to LHBS last night and got a dry kolsch yeast from Lallemand
rehydrated yeast and pitched about 7:00 est
had some activity at 5:30 est this morning
looks much better now

hope it still tastes good
thanks for your input

 

[Bilsch]

Am I cooked??????
Just not sure how long the wort can keep.
Temp now stable at 68° since this morning.

The answer is it depends on what your expectations are.
Is it going to taste anything like an actual Kölsch? Not a chance.

Ideally your yeast should be pitched healthy, active and at the proper rate. It should start actively fermenting in a few hours and be producing visible CO2 in less than ~6 hours. Again this is in ideal conditions.

The bright side is most homebrewers will drink just about anything including completely ruined batches covered in disgusting pellicles. This is the part where your expectations come into play.

I wish you luck.

 

[FlabbyRoach]

The answer is it depends on what your expectations are.
Is it going to taste anything like an actual Kölsch? Not a chance.

Ideally your yeast should be pitched healthy, active and at the proper rate. It should start actively fermenting in a few hours and be producing visible CO2 in less than ~6 hours. Again this is in ideal conditions.

The bright side is most homebrewers will drink just about anything including completely ruined batches covered in disgusting pellicles. This is the part where your expectations come into play.

I wish you luck.

Thanks
I guess

 

[Bilsch]

Thanks
I guess

Sorry man.
It wasn’t apparent from your original post if you wanted the cold hard truth or instead blow some smoke to make you feel better. No worries though since no one gets this beer right the first time. Heck even people who have been brewing it for years finally taste it in Cologne and are amazed how far off they were. The devil is in the details

 

[FlabbyRoach]

Sorry man.
It wasn’t apparent from your original post if you wanted the cold hard truth or instead blow some smoke to make you feel better. No worries though since no one gets this beer right the first time. Heck even people who have been brewing it for years finally taste it in Cologne and are amazed how far off they were.

I was in Cologne and went to a local restaurant and had Kolsch until you have to put your coaster on top of the glass so they don’t pour more after your hammered
i was not trying to make a Kolsch but a FireRock Pale Ale clone using a Kolsch yeast
no worries

 

[FlabbyRoach]

Is that a picture of the DOM in Cologne Germany?
Cool place if it is.

 

[Bilsch]

Is that a picture of the DOM in Cologne Germany?
Cool place if it is.

Yes indeed it is taken by yours truly with the happiest Kölsch buzz you could imagine.

 

[FlabbyRoach]

Yes indeed it is taken by yours truly with the happiest Kölsch buzz you could imagine.

Did you tour the inside?
Did you see this modern stained glass?