Edme/Geordie fermentation continued?

[goater46]

I was given some advice which by Parva which I followed. Which was, I had made 2 brews which were in fermenting bins. But I had not introduced any yeast in the first 24 hours, because I had a disaster trying to rehydrate both yeasts in pyrex jug etc ! He advised that I sprinkle Safale 04, or Nottingham yeast over both, and stir with a sanitised spoon, which I did. I could only find Nottingham which i introduced. Overnight the Edme was going beserk bubbling in the airlock in the bedroom, { in the night it woke the wife up, she then woke me up I was ecstatic, She was not!!!! ). But the Geordie has little activity, if at all. However I can see through the bin that there is a large head of froth on top. Does this mean the Geordie has failed? Please could anybody help me, David

[Bryggmester]

If there is a large head of froth it is most likely that all is well and the air lock is leaking. Have a peek and a sniff, if it looks/smells like a yeasty head you will be OK.

[adm]

If there's a big frothy head on it, then it sounds like it's fermenting fine.

The reason the airlock isn't bubbling could be that the lid of your fermenting bucket isn't sealed properly and the CO2 is escaping via an easier route than going through the airlock!

As long as you can see the yeast head, you should be in good shape though. Be aware that the yeast head will collapse and sink to the bottom at some point but this doesn't mean that fermentation is finished.

Have you got a hydrometer to check it with?

[goater46]

Thanks for the help Adm, yes I do have a hydrometer, Why, cheers David

[adm]

Thanks for the help Adm, yes I do have a hydrometer, Why, cheers David

Welll....with the hydrometer, you can check exactly what's going on in there and not need to rely on what the airlock bubbles are telling you (or not telling you you aren't getting any bubbles )

Basically, if you get the same hydrometer reading for 2 or 3 days in a row, the fermentation is done.

[Parva]

Sounds like it's off to a flyer which is just what I'd expect with Nottingham. I started one Monday evening with the same yeast and it's finished already! Just gonna leave it a few days to clear then it'll be into the keg and ready to drink after a week or so.

[goater46]

Cheers brggymester I will definetly follow your advice, much appreciated, David

[goater46]

Parva, your a star! Im really happy I think with your help Ive cracked it cant wait, cheers David

[Parva]

Just for future reference, don't try to make starters from dried yeasts, they just aren't viable for that purpose. There is a thread about it here :- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19196

[goater46]

Thanks again Parva!!!