First 2 Cider batches: 1 going strong, 1 stuck or very slow?

[rasilly]

Hey all, new member here and a newbie cider-maker.

I've read a bunch of threads on stuck cider fermentations at the HomebrewTalk Forum so I think I know where I went wrong. I'd still appreciate some local info though, as maybe some of you have experience with the Boates juice before? Detailed info below.

I started these 2 initial batches pretty cold so the EC1118 is doing fine but the Safale S-04 batch never started up, not 1 bubble (although the SG has dropped slightly?). Safale suggests 15 C which I didn't realize when I pitched. 1 week after pitching, the juice is warmer now 14 C (57.2F)

Should I wait a bit longer and/or pitch some nutrients before I rack it and re-pitch with EC1118? The initial SG of this juice was a little under the recommended 1.045 minimum, could that be the issue as well?

Thanks in advance!

Batch 1 - Fermenting Fine
23 litres Organic apple/pear blend, UV Pasteurized
Temp: Initial - 9 C, 1 week in - 14 C
PH: 3.4
SG: Initial - 1.046, 1 week in - 1.035
Vineco Pectic Enzyme: 1.5 tsp
Potassium Metabisulphite: 39ml %5 solution
Yeast: Lalvin EC-1118, 5 grams, re-hydrated in warm water for 15 minutes

Batch 2 - Stuck/Never Started?
23 litres Organic Apple, UV Pasteurized
Temp: Initial - 9 C, 1 week in - 14 C
PH: 3.4
SG: Initial - 1.044, 1 week in 1.041
Vineco Pectic Enzyme: 1.5 tsp
Potassium Metabisulphite: 39ml %5 solution
Yeast: Safale S-04, 11.5 grams, re-hydrated in warm water for 15 minutes

[Jimmy]

I'm not too familiar with making cider, but I'm wondering if stirring up the yeast would help get it started?

And welcome

[CorneliusAlphonse]

yeah stirring the yeast back inIto solution and maybe warming it another degree or two may help.

[LiverDance]

I would warm that yeast up and stir it back into suspension as the boys mentioned, I would bet that will do the trick.

[rasilly]

Wow, thanks for the responses guys!

I'll try warming up and stirring today. I also picked up some yeast energizer from Maritime U-Brew so I might give that a shot. The lady at the store there seemed to think that 1 week may be too long to have been sitting so I may need to rack and re-pitch.

Cheers!

R

[akr71]

I wouldn't waste time or money on racking and re-pitching just yet, unless you froze the yeast. I've had yeast in the fridge for over a year and it was still good one it warmed up. Get it warmed up, take a gravity reading, wait a few days then take another gravity reading to see if its doing anything.

[rasilly]

Cool, I'll do what I can to revive this and avoid re-pitching! She's stirred up, energized and sitting by a radiator now (the cider that is!)

Thanks again!

R

[Juniper Hill]

I've made a couple of batches of cider. If things haven't started up with your second batch after a few days I'd pitch something else. I've had good luck with EC 1118, K1v 1116 and 71B. The 71B gives some nice ester complexity when fermented at lower temps ~15C, but it will chew up some of the malic acid.

[rasilly]

Thanks again all for your responses. After a few days, I thought she was done and wouldn't start up....but....

I got home the other night to an airlock full o' cider! I cleaned it up and she's bubbling away now, happy and healthy. Smells really good.

R

[akr71]

[Juniper Hill]

Nice!