dead yeast?

[eeyores61]

Help!

I've just made up a wherry kit (my second). I reconstituted the yeast at about 25C but went to look at it about 40 mins later but it wasn't all puffy like it should have been. It just seemed to have dropped to the bottom of the water. Shoved it in anyway but don't hold out much hope.
Questions....
1) I also have a Nelson's Revenge kit - should I use the yeast from that kit or would that wreck it?
2) How long should I wait to check if the 'dead' yeast is really kaput?
3) Can I have a hug? Not looking forward to telling hubby his birthday present is going down the sink

[Andy]

Hi,

Doesn't sound great on the yeast situation, I'd expect some kind of action upon hydrating it.

Regarding your questions:-

1. See answer to 2) and if no activity then you can either hydrate the Nelsons yeast and pitch that if it shows signs of activity OR buy some dried yeast from a HBS and use that.
2. 24 hrs.
3. Of course you can

But DON'T PANIC!

[eeyores61]

Thanks

Poured myself a glass of wine (ran out of beer aaagh), and calming down.
Update tomorrow. (no hbs round here open on Sunday )

[Andy]

Keep us posted!

[Aes9471]

To be honest every single brew I've done I have started the yeast in a pyrex jug (following the recommended manner on here and with the kits - that have more complete, destructions). Every time I have looked at the yeast and thought has it deaded on me . I have pitched it regardless and not once have I had a problem, including with my first kit the ubiquitous Woodfordes Wherry . I'm not saying don't worry, seems to be an occupational hazard with homebrewing, but I certainly wouldn't be panicking! What has looked like a lacklustre yeast has done the job fine (OMG famous last words )

[eeyores61]

Well, I was right - dead as a doornail. (Also started Headcracker last night and that is fine)

Reconstituted the yeast from the nelson's revenge kit and it was nice and puffy. Aerated again, now fingers crossed it's not already infected.

May get down on my knees and pray (to Father Whorst of course) for divine intervention.

Now what do I use for the Nelson's when the wherry has finished/been poured away?

[adm]

How about a packet of Safale S-04 yeast from your local homebrew shop or online from www.barleybottom.com or others.....shouldn't be more than a pound.

[Aterlatus]

When I hydrated the yeast for my wherry it looked pretty dormant in the jug, sinking to the bottom just as you described.

Pitched it anyway and it got kegged tonight after a (more than) successful fermenting. If you aren't getting a nice (albeit explosive according to some on here!) head on there after a day or two then the yeast is surely dead as a dodo

[eeyores61]

Update - after 8 days (and the yeast from both the wherry and the Nelson's revenge kits) the wherry is at 1014. All by itself, no rousing. Though it did keep warm and cosy on a 25 year old heating mat, which I suspect helped. Tastes pretty good already too

However, the Headcracker, though it appears to be fermenting, has only dropped to 1030, also after 8 days, also on roasty toasty mat (they shared nicely). What would be a 'reasonable' FG to bottle at? I've already stirred it, and it seemed to help, but seems to have stuck again. Any ideas?

All questions aren't I? Glad you're all so patient

[eeyores61]

update no 2

Wherry in keg, headcracker got down to 1022, in polybag. Used trub from wherry and threw nelson's revenge on top which fermented in under two days (I suspect a headache with this one).

Thanks for all your help, should have a beery November!