First attempt

2fatbbq 21 years ago

is in the fermenter---using a Morebeer kit(xmas ya know) the 1st try is "Light Ale"--followed the recipe as close as possible. Wort(3+gal) cooled rapidly in a sink of cold water---caught me by surprise--maybe 15min from a boil to 120°--added enuf cold water to make the five gal batch in the carboy--pitched the yeast(hydrated), shook it up and put airlock in place--at least I think those pcs of plastic are the airlock.Temp was 78°

Now sitting in a dark closet(70°) with no activity. Seems to be "separating" into 2 distinct layers-top half looks like Bass Ale(kinda) and the bottom well it looks kinda like pond scum

How long should the wait be for yeast activity??

Now to get the kitchen clean by the time wife gets home from a 16hr shift in paper mill

see ya buzz

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David M. Taylor 21 years ago

Assuming you didn't put any water in the airlock, add a little water to the airlock (approximately half full) and in a few hours you should notice the carbon dioxide bubbling out. If all goes well, it should bubble vigorously within 24 hours after pitching the yeast, and this continues for a few days, then about a week or so later the fermentation should slow down, eventually to a complete stop. Based on your description of "pond scum" on the bottom, it sounds like the yeast may have already had a few days to replicate, so the bulk of your fermentation may already be complete. Good luck.

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2fatbbq 21 years ago

the bubbles have started already--every 8-10seconds---the bottom layer is now about 1.5 inches thick and a layer now has formed on the top.

Are you saying it was such an active strain of yeast that it went to work that fast?? Or wasn't hydration necessary??

thanks a lot for your helpand I had put water in airlock)

Buzz

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David M. Taylor 21 years ago

It sounds like the fermentation is well on its way. Everything you're seeing is completely normal, and in fact is the ideal situation. Sometimes the yeast has trouble getting off to a good start but it appears that you do not have this problem.

Hydration is a good idea, but not completely necessary. Yes, it looks like the yeast was so hungry, it got started right away, which is a very good thing. It won't be long until you've got your first finished beer! Hope it turns out to your liking.

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