WLP550 lag time

[Linalmeemow]

I did a patersbier yesterday, in the fermenter at 10:30am with a sachet of WLP550 liquid yeast. When I've used liquid yeast before it's gone off like a rocket but this time, almost 36 hours hours later there are no signs of life. Should I be starting to worry yet?

 

[MickDundee]

The main questions for this one are:
What was the date on the yeast, and
Did you do a starter?

 

[Linalmeemow]

It was in date, though only by 3 weeks or so. No starter, but it wasn't a massively high gravity wort (around 1055).

 

[MyQul]

What temps did you ferment at this time and last? If you fermented colder this time it'll take longer to get going.

 

[Linalmeemow]

Started slightly cooler this time, though only by 2 degrees at 20. Last time it was off like a rocket within 6 hours!

 

[MyQul]

Mmm. I can only think it may not have been treated very well on it's way from Whitelabs lab to your house

 

[Linalmeemow]

Happy to report that it's started now. Not very vigorous, but a small bubble every couple of seconds at the moment. Very relieved!

 

[Zephyr259]

At 5 months old you probably only had around 30% viability resulting in it taking longer to grow up to working concentration. Glad it's kicked off now, I've got a dark strong with that yeast (well the wyeast version), it looks a promising one to play about with.

 

[Linalmeemow]

It's off like a rocket now, almost constant bubbling in the airlock...