The lag time for lager yeast is generally similar to that of ale yeast when properly pitched. This means that if you are pitching enough healthy yeast, either through a large starter or by stepping up your yeast propagation, you should start to see signs of fermentation activity within 8-12 hours.
When I first started brewing lagers, I was a bit intimidated by the longer fermentation times and the idea of having to wait patiently for the yeast to do its work. But as I gained more experience and honed my brewing techniques, I found that the lag time for lager yeast was not as daunting as I initially thought.
One of the key factors in reducing lag time is ensuring that you pitch enough healthy yeast into your wort. Lager yeast typically requires a larger pitch rate compared to ale yeast due to its lower fermentation temperature and slower metabolism. This means that you may need to prepare a larger yeast starter or employ a method of yeast propagation, such as step-up starters, to ensure you have a sufficient yeast population.
By giving the yeast a healthy environment to start fermenting, you can expect to see signs of fermentation activity within the first 8-12 hours. These signs may include the formation of a krausen, which is a foamy layer on top of the fermenting beer, or the release of carbon dioxide bubbles in an airlock or blow-off tube.
In my experience, I have found that pitching a properly sized yeast starter into my lager wort has consistently led to visible signs of fermentation within this timeframe. It's always a satisfying moment to see the yeast come to life and start converting the sugars in the wort into alcohol and other flavor compounds.
Within 24 hours, the fermentation should be in full swing, with vigorous bubbling and a noticeable drop in gravity as the yeast consumes the sugars. This is when you know that the yeast is happily doing its job and that your lager is well on its way to becoming a delicious beer.
Of course, it's important to note that the lag time can vary depending on various factors, such as the health of the yeast, the temperature of the fermentation, and the specific strain of lager yeast being used. Some lager strains may have a slightly longer lag time compared to others, but with proper yeast management and pitching rates, you should still be able to achieve a timely and successful fermentation.
The lag time for lager yeast is not significantly longer than that of ale yeast when pitched properly. By ensuring you have enough healthy yeast and creating a favorable fermentation environment, you can expect to see signs of fermentation activity within 8-12 hours and a full-on vigorous fermentation within 24 hours. So don't be discouraged by the idea of brewing a lager, as with the right techniques and patience, you'll be rewarded with a delicious and well-fermented beer.