Made an ESB on Thursday night. Only my second all grain brew. Used Wyeast Direct Pitch Activator 1028 London Ale (Couldnt get 1968). Smacked the pack. It sat on the kitchen table at around 20 degrees for about 4 hours. Didnt swell. Now almost 36 hours later there is no activity in the fermenter. Date on the pack was NOV 14. Could this be the issue? It also spent two days in transit before it arrived here, presumably in less than ideal conditions in the back of a courier van. How long should I leave it before adding another yeast? I have a Mangrove Jacks M79 dried yeast ready to go, if needed. Thanks
Thats quite old to be using without a starter. I'd say give it 72 hours and if you see no signs of fermentation then re-pitch.
If it didn't swell you were pretty knackered anyway. Starter next time. Throw in the other yeast
Thanks for replies. First time using Wyeast. I just followed instructions on pack, hence no starter. Bummer. Waste of 8 euro.
Well, 64 hours later and it's bubbling away. Thanks for replies. Saves me a pack of yeast! ;D
Should I be cautious that this brew's reluctance to ferment will affect the beer in any way?
Yep it's not gonna taste great as you have stressed the yeast by over stretching it :(
Just heat it up a degree or 2 when the krausen starts falling and hopefully it'll clean up most of any off flavours that might hav been produced.
Ah well, lesson learned. Thanks for the help guys.