WLP400 slow/no activity

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weisseguy
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WLP400 slow/no activity

Post by weisseguy » Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:04 am

Hey everyone,

I made a starter around midnight for my pack of WLP400 and woke up this morning to no activity. My starter recipe was:

1 cup DME
1/8 tsp DAP
2L Water

Boiled & cooled to 25C and pitched. Split between 2 clean/sterile growlers with airlocks.

Now, I may have frozen this yeast by accident in a new (very fucking cold) mini fridge I friend gave me. I'm guessing my yeast is fucked but wanted to check with the wizards here before I start over. If I'm fucked, I may pop out and get a pack of Danstar Belle Saison. So my other question is if this is a good yeast to sub for WLP400? I'm making a Witbier.

Thanks in advance for the assistance!
Cheers,
Clint
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KMcK
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Re: WLP400 slow/no activity

Post by KMcK » Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:43 am

My experience with yeast starters is that because of the relatively small volume fermentation activity can be difficult to observe. Gravity readings and taste tests may be better indicators of success.
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jacinthebox
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Re: WLP400 slow/no activity

Post by jacinthebox » Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:43 am

let it ride for a day...then check the gravity
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darciandjenn
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Re: WLP400 slow/no activity

Post by darciandjenn » Wed Aug 31, 2016 10:02 am

I've made a couple of wits with Safale WB-06. I realise it's not a Belgian strain but if you are in a pinch and you want to pitch something dry, I liked it.

Also, as every one else has mentioned, patience! :)

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weisseguy
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Re: WLP400 slow/no activity

Post by weisseguy » Wed Aug 31, 2016 2:33 pm

Thanks everyone. I'll give it a day...When I left at noon there was signs of some activity...if it fails to progress I'm gonna pitch Belle Saison along with the WLP400 mess. Cheers!
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Hobbitfu
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Re: WLP400 slow/no activity

Post by Hobbitfu » Wed Aug 31, 2016 3:41 pm

I have packs of Fermentis K-97 that was going to use for a witbier. It's a German ale yeast that is supposed to be suitable for Belgian type wheat beers. Not sure you can find it local?

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Re: WLP400 slow/no activity

Post by Keggermeister » Wed Aug 31, 2016 10:35 pm

It's prolly already done.
That said. I just used Belle Saison and have hella bananas in a glass! :banana: :cheers2:

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Re: WLP400 slow/no activity

Post by weisseguy » Thu Sep 01, 2016 3:36 pm

I brewed it today and by this morning I had two growlers of VERY active yeast! They were just a bit chilly I guess...

I did buy Belle Saison as a backup but I'll be able to save it now.

I also exceeded target gravity on the wort for the first time ever which was a surprise!

I also shattered by floating thermometer moving it from the kettle to the mash tun meaning I had to start completely over reheating the mash water. What a fucking awful way to start a brew. I just stood there for like 4 minutes deciding whether or not to stab myself in the throat with the sharp end. Fuck. My. LIFE :chug:
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