Lager lag time?

[Fremont Brewer]

I just made my first lager. I pitched @ 45F with 6 vials of German Bock Lager yeast. It has been 48 hours and still no airlock movement. What is typical lager lag time? When should I worry? Is something wrong? Thanks.

[Stinkfist]

Since you didn't make a starter and just pitched a butt load of yeast you will have a longer lag time...but 48 hours is not super long for a Lager...give it some time..what was the temp of the yeast when you pitched it?

[Fremont Brewer]

Since you didn't make a starter and just pitched a butt load of yeast you will have a longer lag time...but 48 hours is not super long for a Lager...give it some time..what was the temp of the yeast when you pitched it?

I pitched the yeast straight out of the fridge. Did I screw up by doing that?

[Stinkfist]

Not too bad since you were making a lager and pitched at 45...so probably not too big of a temp difference for the yeast...but you should try to keep the temp difference less than 10 degrees...just explains the slow start...

[Fremont Brewer]

Not too bad since you were making a lager and pitched at 45...so probably not too big of a temp difference for the yeast...but you should try to keep the temp difference less than 10 degrees...just explains the slow start...

Ok. Makes sense. Thanks for the advise. I'll hang tight for a few more days and see how it goes. I feel a little more at ease.

[brewinhard]

Aeration is key to a good ferment start as well? Did you add any oxygen? Next time try making a starter even with just a couple of the vials as it will help your yeast get rolling quicker.

[Fremont Brewer]

Aeration is key to a good ferment start as well? Did you add any oxygen? Next time try making a starter even with just a couple of the vials as it will help your yeast get rolling quicker.

Hey Brewinhard, No I didn't oxygenate. I dont have that equipment as of yet. The best I can do is shake really good and pour back and forth a few times before pitching. I know...blashphemy! lol The small starter is a good idea. I only have a 2500 mL flask. I don't brew that often to use the yeast cake, either.

[bluesman]

I have had 2 day lags on some of my lagers in the past. My bet is that it will begin to see some kind of activity by tomorrow. That's the hope anyway.