coopers kits slow to start

[meatbinbanquet]

I havent done a coopers kit before and the mrs has bugged me to make the ginger beer one. made it up saturday evening and its been sat at around 22-24 degrees since but doesnt really seem to be doing much. is this normal for coopers kits? I had heard they were very reliable

 

[Cussword]

I have only tried the ginger beer once & it was a failure. brewed it 3rd march (last year) racked it 5th April. Big disappointment. Have had no trouble with ant other Coopers kits.

 

[meatbinbanquet]

doesnt sound very promising, would it be worth getting another yeast into it?

 

[Cussword]

Did you take a hydrometer reading? If so, take another to see if it's moving at all.

 

[meatbinbanquet]

nope....broke it whilst sterilising things. Got a new one on the way, should be here in a couple of days

 

[Cussword]

Check it when you can. It should have a typical starting gravity in the instructions, then you can compare the two :thumb:

 

[golder247]

I can't comment on how long they take but the fiery ginger beer on the forum is knockout.. my missus didn't like it much too dry and fiery for her. I would love to hear how well this one goes for you. On the whole the kits are so easy they should be almost infallible surely? ( i say this cos I haven't buggered it up yet and your guys on here all seem to properly know your onions... or hops should I say)

Would the ginger beer be much different to the other beer kits?

 

[aneray]

99 % of the kits I have used have been Coopers and they have all been fine except for the ginger beer.

If it doesn't pick up give it a gentle rousing with a sterilized spoon and it won't hurt to stick in another packet of yeast. Just to make sure make a starter first with it.

 

[meatbinbanquet]

someone else has advised me that it wont crust, but will just bubble. there are a few bubbles now, so wil just keep an eye on it and hope for the best i think

 

[guyb]

I did the Cooper's Ginger Beer on Saturday (28th) and the OG of mine was 1.024 - the instructions didn't state an expected OG.
Mine was very slow to start, Although now it is bubbling away quite nice, bubbles through the airlock about every 20 secs.

Did you stir it before and after Pitching? I use a long handled brewing spoon from wilkos £1.36