Pitching S23 Yeast

[Matt Browne]

Hi guys

I made a brew today using s23 yeast for the first time.
I pitched it at 24deg, let it sit for a few hours then dropped the temp to 12deg.
Is this correct or did I need it to start at the higher temp for longer?
Many thanks
Matt

 

[kelbygreen]

start it as close to the fermentation temp as possible. You prob could pitch it at 18c while its dropping. 24c is a bit warm unless it will be cooled fast. Yeast make most of there off flavors (when fermented high) when they are multiplying so its best to keep it cool as you can when they do this and then at the end of fermention (about 3/4 way threw) you can ramp it up to around 20 for D rest

 

[cdbrown]

I always try to pitch lager yeasts cool if possible and allow to warm - reduces the diacetyl meaning not needing the rest at the end. Having it warm at the start will help the yeast kick off, but there's more unwanted byproducts. The quicker you can get it down to ferment temp the better. Is the fermenter actually at 12 or is that what you have the temp controller set?

 

[Matt Browne]

Pitched at 24deg at 12:00, 1:00 it was 22deg, put in fridge and by 5:00 the Fermenter was at 12deg

 

[Matt Browne]

Using this yeast at 12deg how long should it take to see airlock activity? It's currently dead flat!

 

[Fish13]

Using this yeast at 12deg how long should it take to see airlock activity? It's currently dead flat!

I found this as i will be using this yeast also for a porter.

http://www.ibrew.com.au/pdf/SaflagerS-23.pdf

 

[Matt Browne]

Thanks guys!

 

[mckenry]

Thanks guys!

Hey Matt,
How are you measuring the temp? If its the sticker on the side, they can (nearly always are) out. One of my fermenter stickers says 26 when I know I have it controlled at 19C and the other reads 22.
mckenry

 

[Ross]

Matt,

Pitching at 24c is absolutely fine & recommended if using just 1 packet or not rehydrating first. If you pitched 2 packets, then crash cooling asap is good. If you pitched 1 packet I'd have dropped to 20c & waited for the first signs of bubbles before crash cooling to 12c. If you pitched just one packet, you've under pitched & it'll most likely take a few days for activity to show - don't stress, be patient, it'll fire & all will be good...


cheers Ross

 

[Matt Browne]

Hi Mckenry

I'm using an STC1000.

Thanks Ross
that's exactly what I was hoping to hear.
Just came home and the airlock is slowly bubbling away.
Can I assume that the ferment time will be longer using this yeast compared to a standard ale yeast??

Cheers Matt

 

[mckenry]

Can I assume that the ferment time will be longer using this yeast compared to a standard ale yeast??

Cheers Matt

Yes Matt. Just like me, the colder I am, the slower I work...

edit - thats a good thing with lagers though. Time is a big factor when making lagers.