TC not fermenting, steralization promblem?

[MrBarrySir]

Hi all,

I'm pretty new to the homebrew scene so perhaps some of you seasoned brewers can help with an issue i'm having.

I've started a brew in a glass DJ with 4l 100% apple juice, 1 teaspoon of yeast (dissolved in a bit of warm water), 3 desert spoons of honey, around 100g white sugar and half a cup of strong tea. Warmed around half a litre of apple juice and dissolved the sugar and honey then added to the DJ. This has been in the dark at around 20c for 2 days but no sign of bubbling in the airlock or frothing etc. I had this problem immediatly before this brew with an other brew i attempted which was simply apple juice and yeast.

Could the problem be the Milton steralizing fluid i'm using to clean the DJ and equipment killing off the yeast? I use 3 cap fulls and fill the DJ with hot water, leave for 20 minutes then rince with cold water a few times.

Any help appreciated!

[gti1x]

Not sure of the concentration of Milton, but assuming you made it up to a more-or-less appropriate concentration, it doesn't sound as though you still have steriliser - I use 2% liquid bleach, rinse well 3 times and have had no problems. I would suggest that your yeast may have died, particularly as it's happened before. Assuming you're using a pot of yeast (and not buying individual sachets) try adding a teaspoon of yeast to a couple of litres of sugar water at about 1.040 SG, room temperature and see what happens. According to Beer Engine this is 106g table sugar per litre water

However I know some of my brews seem to take a long time to start, so all may not be lost yet. Of course if your yeast is dead then just buy some more and add it.

Hope this helps

GTI

[Mike '77]

if milton is the same as the own brand sterilisers its just a mild bleach solution so it needs rinsing with hot water (pre-bioled) as bleach leaves a residue hence why its not considered food safe in a commercial enviroment. whats in the apple juice?

[MrBarrySir]

Not sure what's in the apple juice but i've used different brands each time (all 100% apple juice)

The yeast i used was a box of 'brewers yeast' from Holland and Barrett.

[Mike '77]

aah - brewer yeast extract by any chance?

[MrBarrySir]

I'll go check.............

It's 'Debittered Brewer's yeast powder'. Here's the link ---> http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/ ... &prodid=49

Is this stuff no good? Have I made a schoolboy error?!

[Mike '77]

i've used the powder and tablets - not for brewing though. they are a health supplement but make me pack weight on so i stopped using them. not aware that it can be used in brewing but from what you have found sounds lika a no.

[MrBarrySir]

Dang. Want some fattening apple juice?!

Where's the best place to get yeast from online? Dont want to pay a fortune for P & P if i'm only buying the yeast.

Also, when I get it, will it be ok to just add the correct yeast to the DJ's i have sitting with the ingredients that already includes the wrong yeast? (1 teaspoon full)

[Geezah]

Get to Wilko's and get a tub of Youngs wine or cider yeast.
Or Ebay if you just want a single sachet.
If you want to salvage this brew quickly, get a spoon of bread yeast in there.

[Mike '77]

make a milkshake or add some of the yeast extact to some fruit juice and have a taste! the stuff is foul - i used to use the tablets, the mrs bought me some powder and it got used once. i live just round the corner from a brewshop so cant help there.

[jason123]

If your in a big hurry, sling some bread yeast in there.

[MrBarrySir]

I dont have a Wilko's up here in Aberdeen

Ordered some Young's cider yeast. Going to flush the stuff in the DJ's and start afresh.

Thanks for your help guys, hope this is the solution!