Hello! First time brewer. I started with the Mr Westcoast Ale kit and followed instructions. The keg is now sitting in a dark cooler at fairly the right temp.
Somewhere I have read that if the yeast is doing it's job right, I should see bubbles. I opened the cooler and shined a flashlight in and the liquid is calm as a mountain lake. I wish they still had kits with the aerator.
So is this common that the liquid is motionless (as in - no bubbles) after several hours?
Thanks

Sometime within the 12 to 48 hour timeframe there should be a visible layer of foam on top of the beer. Within 24-48 hours a small shotglass sample should show really cloudy beer. If it is not fermenting it will be completely clear and really sweet.

It is probably fine. How many hours?

Thank you! That was great info!

3 to 4 hrs

yup... "several hours" is not enough time... you're probably stil lin the lag phase, when the yeast are reproducing enough little yeastie soldiers to wag war on the sugars in the wort.

anytime after 8-12 to 24 hours, fermentation will start, and you'll see the krasuen (kroy-sen... the "bubbles and "scum" on top of the beer). check back in and let us know.

Sometimes, especially with the standard refills, there is little noticeable krausen. Or it was there, but for a short time and you missed it. One sure sign of fermentation is trub forming on the bottom.

Thanks! I am feeling a lot better!

Ok, I'll watch out for that!

Also as you get further into your brewing knowledge you will find out that 2 grams of yeast is not enough to properly ferment a Mr Beer batch. If you were to pitch a packet of US-05 (11.5g) or even a half packet you would see a shorter lag time. and benefit with a better tasting brew.