WLP029 German Ale/Kolsch Yeast amount?

[flodato]

I just finished 10 gallons of Reissdorf Kolsch from the "Beer Captured" book. I split a single vial of White Labs Pitchable Koslch Yeast between 2 fermenters. Will this be adequate?

The yeast was pitched on Monday (2/15) and both fermenters have settled down now.

Thanks,
Frank

[dunleav1]

I'm thinking you underpitched:

This is what I use:
http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html

[flodato]

Do you thinnk I should pitch more? It's only been since Monday. I can grab some Safale Dry Yeast tomorrow and pitch again tomorrow night... Maybe? If not, any recommendations?

[Sent From My iPhone]

[flodato]

Will check the gravity tonight. Got some dry Ale yeast today and I finally got my stir plate working (now I need to assemble it). It started at 1.050. Fermentation has drastically decreased at this point. It should be 1.015 when I'm done so if it's not b/t 1.020 and 1.025 right now, I may pitch more.

That sound right?

[dmtaylor]

I hate to sound like an a$$, but you did in fact underpitch pretty severely. I have had very bad experience with underpitching Kolsch yeast specifically in the past. My underpitched Kolsch tasted a lot like apple and turpentine, and just plain undrinkable -- I ended up dumping it. I predict there's about a 75% chance that your beer won't taste all that great, and you might even need to dump it as I did. Next time pitch more yeast up front. In the long run, you'll be glad you did. Try www.mrmalty.com for a nice yeast pitching calculator that really works and makes sure you always pitch the right amount up front.

[dunleav1]

Take a gravity reading.
If it's not where you want - make a starter with a new Kolsch yeast and pitch the starter at high krausen.

[flodato]

Took a gravity reading and got 1.030. Got a starter on the stir plate now. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress. Thanks for all the help.

Frank