Wyeast Issues
  • colorado_bonescolorado_bones
    5.00 KarmaSend colorado_bones a Message
    Tags: Wyeast Lagtime Wort
    Hey Friends,
    So I made the rookie error of assuming my Wyeast would activate and I went ahead and brewed up my Organic Oatmeal Stout from Seven Bridges. By the time I was done, the yeast had not inflated or showed any action whatsoever. So, I tried to do a starter last night, but when I woke up this morning, still no action. I've read that sometimes old yeast or yeast that has been exposed to low or high temps can take 36 hours to get going. But, I'm worried about my wort during that time. Any ideas? Is there somewhere I can buy yeast in town so I can get it going NOW? Could I--put my wort in a refrigerator to try to inhibit any bacteria growth while I find some viable yeast? I know, I've learned my lesson, make sure my yeast is viable BEFORE I brew. But, what to do now?

    Many Thanks,
    Tim from Songdo
  • wamillewamille
    99.00 KarmaSend wamille a Message Accepted Answer
    Tim... the Wyeast packs will tell you that it doesn't need to be swollen to be viable. Your yeast might be fine. It might be fermenting in fact. The air lock doesn't always indicate fermentation. Double check the seals of your fermenter (lid if plastic bucket or stopper if in a carboy) to make sure CO2 isn't escaping that way. If that's good, let it set until tomorrow to see if you get any bubbling in your air lock. Also, check to see if your beer is developing a head of krausen that would indicate fermentation. You don't need to refrigerate your beer (or wort if the yeast didn't take). Assuming your fermenter was sanitized, it should be fine. Just an FYI... if you want some yeast, I can give you a pack of S-05. Cheers, Bill
  • colorado_bonescolorado_bones
    5.00 KarmaSend colorado_bones a Message
    Thanks Bill! I have dumped the yeast into one of those Yellow Snow Growlers along with some DME and water, but the yeast isn't doing anything in there yet. I read foil on top of the growler instead of an airlock, but even without the airlock, I can tell I don't have any action going on:). I am coming over your way tomorrow, will you be around? I might take you up on your yeast offer!
  • wamillewamille
    99.00 KarmaSend wamille a Message
    Tim... call me if you get to the Yongsan/Itaewon area. My number is 010-2980-8563. By the way, I didn't realize that you were waiting for your yeast starter and hadn't already added it... thought you had already thrown it in the wort and were waiting for the beer to start fermenting. I'd pitch the yeast you have now and shake the heck out of your bucket/carboy to aerate it well and believe that the yeast is ok. I don't see any other options at this point. You could put the wort into the fridge like you mentioned if you are dead set against using that yeast starter and wait for the S-05. You'd just have to let the wort temperature rise to pitching temps prior to pitching the S-05 of course. But my opinion is to trust the yeast is active and add it. By the way, did you boil the DME/water mix and let it cool to pitching temps before pouring the yeast into the growler?
Add a Comment