Fermentation stopped short...

1st batch… 49 hours for fermentation to begin. Lager yeast, pitched at 70ºF, fermenting bucket is at 55ºF now, vigourus fermentation for about 30 hours… now nothing ? Any thoughts? Help?

I’m sure someone will chime in here and tell you that your initial temp was way too high and give better reasons than me.

That said, with a temp that high it may have fermented quickly and be done.  What is the starting & final gravity?

the initial was at 1.040… I have not rechecked…
Hopefully it’s not messed up? Thanks

Welcome to the AHA forum.

Lagers are usually pitched and fermented around 50F. Your fermentation is probably about finished now. Take a gravity reading and let us know where you’re at. Here’s a link to review.

http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=766.0

I would pick up a copy of John Palmer’s book " How to Brew " or go to his website here for some really good brewing knowledge.

http://www.howtobrew.com/

Good Luck!  8)

Yes I have the book… and although it may not seem like it but I read it… Hmm my retention must not be where it used to be.
Anyway, I’ll check the gravity and post it later.
I was leary of starting with a lager. The recipe/ingredients I used claim that it can be brewed as an ale with favorable results ?
I do not have the list with me.
Thanks for your help,
Chip

I did the same as you once (pitching high) with the Cali lager strain from WYeast.

It came out tasting a little buttery but wasn’t horrible.

“wasn’t horrible” sounds pretty good about now !
Thanks,
Chip / sflynn2nd

Ha.  I wouldn’t worry for your first batch.  Take a hydro reading and give it a taste.

I might let it warm up to the low-mid 60’s for a few days.  Maybe the yeasties will clean up off flavors created by the temp drop (if any).