Saflager S-23 How Long Until Airlock Activity

[brilinjo]

I have just put down a Brewcraft Heineken kit (incl Brew enhancer and hops all in one bag), yeast supplied was Saflager S-23.

I normally brew Coopers kits and the standard supplied yeast, which advise to start with a temp mid 20deg so I am used to airlock activity within several hours of pitching.

As this is my first time with a specialised lager yeast, I am concious of brewing at low temp, so pitched yeast at exactly 20deg 4.30pm 23-Jun. It is now 11.10am 24.06, the brew temp is 14deg and there is no airlock activity, which concerns me.

I peeked through the grommet and I can see a fine coverage of bubbles (and lots of disintegrated hops) so I think that the yeast is working.

Does this seem normal. How long until I should expect to see some airlock activity? :unsure:

Brian

 

[Adamt]

You haven't even given it a full 24 hours!

You'll find that lager yeasts (at proper lager fermenting temperatures) are a lot slower, about half as slow as ale yeasts.

You have done the right thing, pitched at 20C as you are using one packet, try to bring it closer to 10C now, your beer will be better for it.

Airlocks are often a bad guide as you may have read elsewhere on the forum, any small air-leak in the lid will stop them from working, don't fret too much about this. The good thing is bubbles are forming on the surface.

Give it at least another 24 hours before getting worried.

 

[brilinjo]

You haven't even given it a full 24 hours!

You'll find that lager yeasts (at proper lager fermenting temperatures) are a lot slower, about half as slow as ale yeasts.

You have done the right thing, pitched at 20C as you are using one packet, try to bring it closer to 10C now, your beer will be better for it.

Airlocks are often a bad guide as you may have read elsewhere on the forum, any small air-leak in the lid will stop them from working, don't fret too much about this. The good thing is bubbles are forming on the surface.

Give it at least another 24 hours before getting worried.

Thanks for the info, patience is obviously not one of my virtues.

With the overnight temps we are currently having in Adelaide 10C might be achievable.

 

[Adamt]

Thanks for the info, patience is obviously not one of my virtues.

With the overnight temps we are currently having in Adelaide 10C might be achievable.

It's definitely lager brewing season here! Brr.

Few sticky posts (and check the Wiki) regarding temperature control if you are looking for ideas.

Welcome to the forums.

 

[MSR]

I have just put down a Brewcraft Heineken kit (incl Brew enhancer and hops all in one bag), yeast supplied was Saflager S-23.

I normally brew Coopers kits and the standard supplied yeast, which advise to start with a temp mid 20deg so I am used to airlock activity within several hours of pitching.

As this is my first time with a specialised lager yeast, I am concious of brewing at low temp, so pitched yeast at exactly 20deg 4.30pm 23-Jun. It is now 11.10am 24.06, the brew temp is 14deg and there is no airlock activity, which concerns me.

I peeked through the grommet and I can see a fine coverage of bubbles (and lots of disintegrated hops) so I think that the yeast is working.

Does this seem normal. How long until I should expect to see some airlock activity? :unsure:

Brian

Airlocks are notorious for leaks, what I do with all of my airlocks is to get a knife or scissors and gently shave the little ridges of plastic down so they are smooth. They work fine after that.

Don't be too worried if there is a leak, your beer will still ferment fine.

 

[brilinjo]

Airlocks are notorious for leaks, what I do with all of my airlocks is to get a knife or scissors and gently shave the little ridges of plastic down so they are smooth. They work fine after that.

Don't be too worried if there is a leak, your beer will still ferment fine.

6.30pm 24-Jun airlock is bubbling (albeit very slowly) all is well again in the world. Sorry for panic, I feel a bit sheepish now

Thanks for your assistance guys


Brian

 

[Enerjex]

this is normal for a lager yeast brilinjo. in the next day or 2 the airlock will speed up for a couple of days then die off again and go very slowly for a week or 2. do not be tempted to raise the temperature or bottle it prematurely. be prepared for it to take 3 weeks in the fermenter, just be patient and it'll be worth it.