Should I give up?

[cpisthedbb]

Hi

I started a 40 pint Geordie Lager brewing kit on the 27th December.

So far the Hydrometer reading has stuck at around 40 and is not moving since I started. I followed the instructions very carefully and a few days ago I added a tea spoon of yeast nutrient to try and get it going. I've checked again today and it still hasn't moved. I am fermenting it inside which is nearish a radiator so that shouldn't be a problem.

I can't see it fermenting properly myself. This is my first brew so I've been trawling this forum before and during fermenting the brew but I don't know what to do next. Is is too late for it to start fermenting? I Just don't want to pout it down the sink if I can rescue it.

[boingy]

Sounds like your yeast just has not started. Try pitching another sachet of yeast.

[brysie]

NEVER, repeat NEVER GIVE UP MAKING BEER.

i think thats enough actually.

[KevP]

I agree, it sounds like your yeast hasn't started, could be a bad batch, or you pitched it in too high a temp liquid, did you rehydrate the yeast beforehand? if so the temp is easily left too high for rehydrating - done it myself before.

Like Boingy says, chuck another yeast sachet straight into the fv.

[cpisthedbb]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I didn't rehydrate the yeast before I started. It didn't tell me to do this with the kit, so I didn't bother. I'll buy some more and add it to the brew. Will this still taste ok after all this time?

[boingy]

It depends. The longer unfermented wort sits around, the greater the chance of infection. It will cost you a quid or so to pitch some yeast and find out. A good bet I think.
Go for it, and regardless of the result, don't give up!

[mercilessrich]

Talking of extra yeast can you make a brew too yeasty by adding extra sachets? And should you use diff yeasts for diff brews?

[KevP]

Talking of extra yeast can you make a brew too yeasty by adding extra sachets? And should you use diff yeasts for diff brews?

Not normally a need to add extra yeast unless its needed, yeast is alive and multiplies and grows as it feeds (sounds like a horror film!)
Different yeasts are available, but mainly they differ in that they may work at lower temps, or ferment to a higher ABV etc, but there are cider,wine, ale, champagne etc yeasts. good ole' Safale04 will do most beer brews I find.