Beer kit yeast

[razzrockbolt]

What kind of yeast is usually included in beer kits that you buy?

The reason I ask is that for my first couple of brews I used the included yeast sachets and although the wort fermented out I didn't see much activity in the process. For my current batch I bought some gervins English ale yeast and within 2 days I have a big thick fluffy pancake floating in my FV. So I'm wondering whether the yeast from the beer kits was bottom fermenting or something. For the record the 2 kits were a Youngs Scottish Heavy and a John Bull 3kg executive bitter.

[johnmac]

I think the yeast with the JB 3kg kit is not too bad. The Gervin was probably a good insurance though, for the sake of a quid.

[razzrockbolt]

Thanks DaaB.

I must record that both brews that I used the supplied yeast with fermented out within 5-7 days. This was with following the kit instructions of sprinkling the yeast on top of the wort. No starter or nothing. First tasted okay, second is conditioning atm. It's just that I didn't really see anything happening.

With the Gervin yeast I used the instructions supplied and as a result I have this thick pancake of foam sitting on top of the wort like a mr whippy. Just very different from the previous yeasts. It certainly looks like it's doing the business. I think I will be using it in future.