whitelabs yeast problem?

[timbowden]

I've always used dry yeast for my all grain brews but decided recently to buy some Whitelab vials of liquid yeast to see if it makes a difference. On Sunday i brewed a 10gallon brew and split this into two 5 gallon fermenters. (OG 1045) I then pitched a Vial into each of the fermentors without making a starter (as per the instructions). 2 days on and one fermenter has a nice head on it but the other is completely flat with virtually no bubbles on top. What shall i do? Re-stir it or pitch a trusty SO4?? Did i get a duff vial??

:wha:

tim

 

[graysalchemy]

Re they both the same yeast? if so take the krausan off the one which is fermenting and put it in the one that isn't. :thumb: :thumb:

You do need to make starters though.

 

[borischarlton]

There is too many variables there. How old was the vial, how had it been stored and transported? Also the yeast vials are designed for 5 US gallons or 4 UK which is why making a starter is almost always the way to go.

Rob

 

[timbowden]

Hi Rob,
The vials were from you! They were both still in date . i Think i'll try taking the Krausen off and see what happens :thumb:

 

[timbowden]

when i take the Krausen off do i stir it into the other fermenter or just leave it on top??

 

[graysalchemy]

I would mix it in as that is were all the sugars are :whistle: :whistle:

 

[timbowden]

Roger that

 

[borischarlton]

I would drop it on top then seal the lid and shake like mad, give it plenty of Oxygen.

Just for future reference, whilst I know how the yeast has been transported to me and stored since i.e. at fridge temps you do need to take into account the shipping from me, and the age of the vial. This is why it's always a good idea to make a starter.

Rob

 

[timbowden]

thanks Rob, yes i think i starter will be done in future :thumb:

 

[timbowden]

just checked prior to adding the Krausen and there seems to be activity. Shall i leave it do its thing or should i still add krausen from the other fermenter? :wha:

 

[graysalchemy]

Personally I would leave it a few hrs it may well just take off now. :thumb:

 

[timbowden]

i think so as well. Seems to have a different smell to the other batch though...

 

[jim80]

I'd see what it was doing later this evening myself.
Funnily enough I've just had a packet of S-04 that has taken 48 hours to get going - I didn't expect that (don't use it normally).
RE the whitelabs and starters I've taken to adding just a small amount ( about 1/6 of it) from the tube to a litre of weak wort (I normally seem to have enough in my grains to batch out a gallon or so at 1.020 after a brew, which I freeze in old soda water bottles, boil then cool when I need it) - This has always been plenty as a starter for me so far, and works out pretty cheaply.

 

[graysalchemy]

Thats what i do :thumb: