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Beer/Beer Kit no airlock bubbles + no head = no fermentation?

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Expert: - 11/29/2008


Question
Hi, I've just started my first attempt at home brew using a kit. I added brewer's sugar to the malt, ensured I aerated it for a good 10 mins and sprinkled the dry yeat on top as advised on the instructions. The temperature has stayed at a steady 20 degrees but there is not sign of bubbles in the airlock, I cracked upon a small section of the fermenter lid and didn't see any head. It has been about 18 hours since start. I'm not sure what to do, should I wait longer, should I add yeast vitamin, more yeast, aerate is some more? As it is Saturday today will be my only chance to buy extra ingredients so don't want to get what I need whilst I have the chance. Any help would be grately received.
Thanks, Tony

Answer
Tony,

Some batches can take 24 to 36 hours until you see signs of fermentation.  So you may be fine.

I presume you mean 20 degrees centigrade, so your temp should be fine.

As to yeast vitamins, I always add brew vigor to mine just to be on the safe side.  I also keep some dry neutral yeast on hand just in case I have need.  In your case if you do not see some activity after 24 hours I would go ahead and add some more yeast and yeast nutrients or brew vigor.

Also if this is a high alcohol batch you may want to make a starter of the yeast and let it sit in the starter for a few hours and then pitch the yeast.  Most likely you will see some signs today.

In the future if your using a dry yeast you may want to make a starter.  Simply boil and cool some water. I then add the yeast with some brew vigor and or some light DME.  cover with some foil or wrap and let it sit for a couple of hours.  This gives the yeast a chance to get going before you pitch it.

If you have any more questions just let me know.

Alan

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Alan Ward

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I am a home brewer who has been brewing since 2000. For us brewing is a family activity with everyone helping in some small way. We brew mostly all grain batches, but we do some kits. I have built all of our equipment. We bottle and keg. Drop us an line, we will be glad to assist with answer or help you find where the answer is. In October 2008 we opened the Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School at the Texas Renaisance Festival. This is a unique brewpub and teaching facility located on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, Texas. To our knowledge we are the only functioning brewpub located on the grounds of a renaissance festival brewing using both period specific equipment and modern equipment to brew hand crafted ale and then serving it back to the public. Where we offer hands on training and live period appropriate all grain brewing through out the day. Drop by and we will be glad to answer any question you have. You can checkout the brewery at www.brigadoonbrewery.com or follow on twitter@brewschool.

Experience

Home brewing since 2000. Started with a Mr. Beer kit and worked our way up to all grain.

Former chemistry and physics teacher.

Education:
Bachelors Arts Teaching; Master Instructional Technology
Currently the Managing Member and Brewmaster for Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School.

Organizations
Master Brewers Associaiton of America Texas Craft Brewers Guild American Home Brewers Association Brewers Association

Education/Credentials
Bachelors in Sports Medine from Sam Houston State University Masters in Instructional Technology from American Intercontinental University

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