I started my very first kit last night and left it in my insulated garage, off the floor. I was unable to get quite the right lid for my bucket, so I got a lid that turned out to be just a tad too small and placed a towel on top of it and strapped it down (see previous question in the 'Lid or No Lid' thread).
This morning, I went to check on it and am a bit concerned, in my newbiness, that it's not fermenting properly. It smelled alright, a bit yeasty, a bit winey, but the bucket was cool to touch and there was no bubbling sound coming from it. I didn't dare take a look inside.
Am I worrying prematurely? Could fermentation have already stalled? What signs should I be looking for? Will a thermometer and SG reading tell me if something's really wrong? Should I take readings tonight when I punch down the grape bag?
Everything seemed to be going so well last night...
This morning, I went to check on it and am a bit concerned, in my newbiness, that it's not fermenting properly. It smelled alright, a bit yeasty, a bit winey, but the bucket was cool to touch and there was no bubbling sound coming from it. I didn't dare take a look inside.
Am I worrying prematurely? Could fermentation have already stalled? What signs should I be looking for? Will a thermometer and SG reading tell me if something's really wrong? Should I take readings tonight when I punch down the grape bag?
Everything seemed to be going so well last night...