AG4 - Slow Start with WLP002 - Advice Needed

[Robbo100]

Hi All,

I made AG4 yesterday (a Spitfire clone :thumb: ), and added my yeast (WLP002) at about 22:00 last night, however, so far there is absolutely no fermentation at all (not even a single bubble).

I have never used WPL002 before, and have read a number of people saying that it is slow to start, but this seems a little extreme (17 hours later) and I am worried about the wort becoming infected.

When I added the yeast I followed the instructions on the vial, but admittidly the wort was slightly higher than the recommended temperature, at 28 Deg C, but that doesn't seem extreme to me, and the wort is now sitting at 20 Deg C. The wort was nicely airated, and the OG wasn't particularly high (1050). I have now seen many posts where people recommend using yeast starters for all WLP, but I am a bit late for that now! :lol:

I wonder if anyone could give me any advice. Should I add another vial (I have a spare in the fridge)? Should I give it another 24 hours? Should I throw in some good old S-04? Should I just give it a gentle stir?

Any help would be appreciated :thumb: .

On a plus note, I have just planted 3 hope roots in the garden (one Fuggles, one EKG and one Northdown). I have gone from an occasional kit brewer, to full-on AG with self sufficient hop garden in 10 weeks! You were all right - it is addictive! :drink: :

 

[Mark1964]

28 deg c is a bit high but you might get away with it. Leave it 48 hours then if nothing add yeast :thumb:

 

[carl_saint]

If you pitched at 28 that's fine so long as it got down to18-20 pretty fast. WLP002 is very slow to start when you pitch direct from the vial. When I started out with these yeasts I did the same. Now I always make a 1L starter even for a new vial about 4 days before. This usually gets the wort fermenting after an hour!

 

[Robbo100]

Thanks chaps.

I shall wait it out and report back.

:

 

[jonnymorris]

I'd put money on it going by tomorrow morning.

 

[cnelsonplumber]

I like WLP002 but it does take a little while to get going like most of the strains. I always make a starter with a stir plate and even then don't see much action for 12 to 18 hours so dont worry for at least another day.

Once it gets going it will go like a train, so make sure you have space in the top of the FV or a tray under it. : :

 

[Robbo100]

I have 10 ltrs free space, and it is a 23 ltr brew, so hopefully enough head space. I have high expectations for a volcano now!

Thanks all.

 

[Robbo100]

Well!!!!

I just had a little peek, and amazingly, in the last two hours it has gone from nothing, to a complete covering of surface yeast.

I am gobsmacked as to how quickly it has suddenly changed. No bubbling through the airlock, but that is not going to be long away from the current state of things.

Thanks for the reassurance guys.

I will make sure I note that for future.

Before I started AG, I used to think yeast was yeast, but they are all different!

 

[cnelsonplumber]

Excellent news. :-D