WLP001 yeast...long fermentation time?

[LukeD23]

I have been mainly using WLP007 yeast and I can have a beer fermented out in about 5 days to an apparent att. of 78%.

I recently wanted to do the West Coast IPA clone, so I got some Cal Ale WLP001. It took about 12 days to ferment that beer out all the way ( about 80% att. ). I did a 1200ml starter for a 5 gallon batch.

I harvested that yeast cake, washed, then did a 1200ml starter for a 1.047 beer. I am 5 days into fermentation and I am only at 1.026.

Is this normal for Cal Ale yeast? or did I get a bum vial?

I also use O2, and yeast nutrient...my calcium is at about 70ppm.

[MNHazmat]

The only missing bit of info is the ferment temp?

[LukeD23]

Good point....The ferm temp is like this..

Pitched at 64 deg then let it free rise up to 66/67. I have a freezer temp controlled for ferments, I just got a heating blanket cause our house is to cold. The past two days I have ramped the temp up to 68. Been fermenting 7 days now. OG - 1.047

[brewinhard]

What about mash temp and recipe/grains used? Doesn't sound like you got a bum vial if the first batch fermented down to 80%.

[Hoser]

My guess is you over pitched.