Newbie: did I make a mistake?

[rooster]

I tackled my first kit yesterday - a wherry using one of the microbrewery kits.

I followed the instructions to the letter but I just noticed that when it came time to add the yeast my instructions say 'add the yeast and place lid on fermenting vessel'.

I added the yeast, then stirred it in before placing the lid on - was this a mistake and if so, has it ruined my kit?

Also, what should I be looking for to see that it is working? I put it together at about 3pm yesterday and by 10:30pm there appeared to be nothing happening. Should I be concerned?

Sorry for all of the questions.

regards





Roy

 

[Parva]

What you did was spot on. In fact it helps if you give it a very vigorous stir when adding the yeast as this introduces lots of oxygen that yeast love but nevertheless, what you did is absolutely fine. You should start seeing a bit of a head form on the wort soon. It can take a while to get going as unfortunately kit yeasts are supplied in 6Gm packets (if I remember correctly) and that means that you are actually under-pitching so it takes longer for the yeast to multiply and really get to grips with the wort. Whilst I'm sure this one will be fine I would highly recommend asking for a packet of S04 yeast from your homebrew supplier next time you buy a kit and use this in place of the kit supplied yeast. It'll cost about £1.30 but you're guarenteed a much better fermentation.

 

[jonewer]

Dont keep opening it up to have a look though, you should be able to see the froth without opening.

Constantly opening increases the risk of oxidation and infection.

 

[rooster]

thanks guys, got home tonight and there is bubble action in the airlock on top of the fermenter, which I am guessing is a good thing :clap:

I can also clearly see a 'head' has formed on the beer so it looks like we are doing ok.

It is in a reasonably warm room in the basement at the moment - I was planning to leave it 7-10 days then transfer to my barrel and place in the garage (much cooler) to clear. Have I got my timings about right?

thanks again for the assistance

regards





Roy

 

[Wez]

Sounds good at the moment Roy, 18-22c is a good fermenting temp range, what temp is it at, at the mo?

 

[rooster]

reading is 26c at the moment - is that too warm?

i was worried that the garage would be too cold at night

 

[Wez]

That is a bit on the warm side, some off flavours 'could' be there because of that - but i've had to ferment at that temp and had no ill effects. A simple way to drop the temp is drape a damp beach towel over & around the fermenter, the evaporation caused cooling of the wort, just swap the towel twice a day :thumb:

 

[rooster]

I moved the FV into the office last night, which is much cooler than downstairs.

As of this morning the temp had only dropped to 24-26 though (

Fingers crossed for my first attempt