Expert: Alan Ward - 12/29/2004

Question
Well thanks. I'll get a hydrometer. I added the yeast from another Mr Beer kit yesterday. Still see no apparent activity. Shouldn't there be visable bubbles comming up from the bottom or some foam on top?



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Followup To
Question -
Hi I just have my first batch in the Mr Beer fermenter. I followed the directions to the letter. After I added the yeast and let it float for 5 min., then stirred it in, I set the plastic keg in my office at room temp. It has been two days and most of the yeast is just setting on the bottom. I shine a flashlight from behind and do not see any streams of bubbles.  There is a very little bit of yeast floating on top. Should there be apparent streams of bubbles? Should there be more on top? How can I tell if it is working properly? If the yeast is dead is the batch a waste?


Answer -
First, welcome to the great world of home brewing.  Second welcome to the woes of Mr. Beer.  I also started with Mr. Beer.  My children purchased one for me five years ago.  I had a similar problem.  I could not tell if there was any bubbles so I could not tell if the yeast was good or not.  Being an old chemistry teacher I went in search of a hydrometer.  This net little gadget test for the level of alcohol in a liquid. (More appropriately it test the specific gravity which can be converted to the amount of alcohol contained in a liquid.)  

To make a long story short I found a great brew shop that sold just such a device.  I also found the Holy Grail.  They had every thing and at reasonable prices.  I was hooked.  I purchased a brew kit which had not only the hydrometer I went for but everything needed to do 5 gallon patches of home brew. You can purchase just such a kit at any local home brew store or over the internet.  I would suggest DeFalco's, locate in Houston, Texas.  You can order over the internet.  They have great brew starter kits also (http://www.defalcos.com/productCat47776.ctlg )

I realize that I have not really answered your question.  As I see it there are three problems with Mr. Beer kits:
•   They do not contain a hydrometer.  (This is basic required to measure the specific gravity or amount of alcohol. It requires two readings, a beginning reading and end reading.) They run about $15.00.
•   They brew in 2.5 gallon batches.  Way to small for me.
•   They require that you purchase their mixes.  

In short with out a hydrometer there is no real way to tell if the batch is fermenting.  If you r not sure you could add more yeast and brew vigor. Or do what I did and just wait it out.  I found the Mr. Beer I made drinkable but not great beer.  Hang in there and either purchase a hydrometer or a beer kit and brew kit beers at home.

Alan  

Answer
Each brew is different.  Depending on the type of yeast you may not see many bubbles. You may see things moving up and down inside which is the yeast working.  If you have added to yeast I would just sit and wait.  I never saw any activity in my Mr. Beer brew but it did turn out okay. Relax and have a brew.

Alan