Fermentation Never Started

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by MiRyO, Nov 29, 2016.

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  1. MiRyO

    MiRyO Initiate (0) Aug 5, 2016 New Jersey

    Have an issue... did an IPA with a 1.058 OG and used liquid Omega DIPA yeast. I warmed the yeast up for over three hours, shook the package, and directly pitched into the wort after aerating the wort.

    24 hours later, nothing. It was too cold for first 12 hours or so before I moved it into a warmer area and gave it a shake and a few hours later still nothing.

    Should I pitch new yeast?
     
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    It's too early to do anything other than verify the wort is warm enough, i.e. within the yeast strain's recommended temperature range. Beyond that, have patience.
     
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  3. MiRyO

    MiRyO Initiate (0) Aug 5, 2016 New Jersey

    So hard!! Will do... thanks.
     
  4. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    @MiRyO -- are you using a bucket? I ask because my lager that I brewed Saturday is in a bucket. 48 hrs after pitching, I'm not seeing airlock activity. Mind you, I cannot see through the opaque plastic bucket. So I opened the lid and found there to be a nice krausen bubbling away. The seal of either the bucket, the airlock, or the thermowell might just be leaking. If you are using an opaque bucket, you might learn, if you peak, that something is going on in there.
     
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  5. MiRyO

    MiRyO Initiate (0) Aug 5, 2016 New Jersey

    Glass carboy... I can take a gravity reading I suppose, but this one looks lifeless.
     
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  6. zizouandyuki

    zizouandyuki Initiate (0) Nov 26, 2015 Texas

    Was about to suggest that you take a gravity reading. Definitely a good next step to see if there's been any activity.
     
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  7. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I wouldn't bother with a gravity reading yet. After only 24 hours, there's no decision to be made that it would inform.
     
  8. zizouandyuki

    zizouandyuki Initiate (0) Nov 26, 2015 Texas

    True. Day 3 should be sufficient.
     
  9. MiRyO

    MiRyO Initiate (0) Aug 5, 2016 New Jersey

    I will just wait it out and make sure it stays at temp.

    Thanks all.
     
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  10. zizouandyuki

    zizouandyuki Initiate (0) Nov 26, 2015 Texas

    Sounds good. Hoping everything works out for you, man. Keep us posted.
     
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  11. Brewday

    Brewday Zealot (721) Dec 25, 2015 New York

    Just used the same yeast. It's not a aggressive yeast. It will start slow. Fermented at 64/65 and finished in 2 weeks.
     
  12. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    I would trust the appearance of inactivity. A gravity reading is OK as a double check, before you take any drastic measures.

    Possible corrective measures:
    1. Check your temp. Is it really within the yeast's sweet spot? If low, nudge it up slowly to where it should be.
    2. Be prepared to pitch more yeast. If you have an LHBS, pick up some more Omega, or if that option is not available, some neutralish dry yeast like US-05 or Nottingham could be your savior.

    For future batches, you might add making a starter to your routine. I don't know if a yeast calculator would tell you whether or not it was needed for this 1.058 beer (would need to know batch size, production date, etc.), but I think it is usually a good idea. If I'm brewing a 5 gallon batch, I generally am making one.
     
  13. MiRyO

    MiRyO Initiate (0) Aug 5, 2016 New Jersey

    It just started to develop a kraussen but it's not too aggressive. Hopefully it picks ups steam! Just gave it a little agitation too.
     
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  14. MiRyO

    MiRyO Initiate (0) Aug 5, 2016 New Jersey

    I definitely should have done a starter.... it was a five gallon batch and the OG was within the stated OG on the bag. I do have another omega package and try to keep US 05 on hand in case of emergency too.
     
    pweis909 likes this.
  15. MiRyO

    MiRyO Initiate (0) Aug 5, 2016 New Jersey

    Thanks!
     
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