Wyeast 3056- fermenting slowly

[shibbypwn]

I made a bavarian hefe kit from northern brewer, using a smack pack of Wyeast 3056.

I had heard from lots of people on this forum that this yeast was a beast at fermentation, but mine's been rather sluggish.

I pitched my yeast 11 days ago, and I've been fermenting at 65 degrees-in the past few days I've let the temp slowly creep up to 68 or so to help the yeast get it's job done.

O.G. was 1.044, and the reading I took today was 1.020- so it's still got a ways to go.

Is it normal for this yeast to take so long to ferment? I've had 1.092 beers that fermented faster than this. I just didn't expect it to move so slowly given everything people told me about this yeast.

Pitched around 70, didn't make a starter, aerated via shaking my carboy.

thanks!

 

[avidhomebrewer]

How old was the yeast? Give the carboy a rousing for a minute or 2 and see what becomes of it.

 

[shibbypwn]

The yeast was Mfg in May- so only a month old (brewed on 6/6).

I let it swell for about 36 hours- my only concern is that it was delivered to my apartment managers' office and then left their overnight, unrefrigerated. I live in Texas, so the truck temp was probably high also.

I've resolved to buying all of my yeast at my LHBS from now on

 

[SnickleFitsBrew]

Shipped in the heat like that a starter is always recommended but either way I think you will be fine.. I made a hefe with 3056 and the yeast took off like a bat of hell but that doesnt mean something is wrong with your brew.. be patience and the yeasties will come around i am sure... no worries