On the Rocks Yeast Question

Cleggy41

Hi

Just started brewing the On the rocks raspberry and lime cider.

I mixed in the yeast at the end, but it didn't seem to dissolve and rose to the top of the liquid.

Fermentation is underway, but the yeast seems to have turned into a froth on top of the liquid.

Is this normal ?  Or should I give it a stir to mix it in ?

Thanks


Colin

HBO_Staff

Hi Colin, there are a few ways to add yeast and instructions/methods vary. You can just sprinkle it on the top of the brew (it's best to be sure it is contact with the liquid and not just any foam/froth), you can sprinkle it on and give it a gentle stir in to ensure full contact, and with some it is added to a cup of warm water and mixed up, then added to the brew after say 15 minutes (the instructions let you know when this is needed although many people just sprinkle it on and mix it in anyway). The yeast will then begin to work and a good sign it is working is that froth will begin to appear and form, and bubbles will rise through the liquid. If the yeast is not working a gentle stir may help, but it sounds like yours is OK. The best way to check on fermentation is to use a hydrometer and take readings, as the gravity readings will decrease as the fermentation goes on (for example they may start at say 1045 and then finish at say 1008). Fermentation is complete when the number is low and stays the same for a couple of days and bubbles cease to rise from the liquid (although there may still be foam on top)