So I'm planning on doing an Imperial Stout today, target ABV of 10.7% with an OG of 1.104, FG 1.024. It was recommended that I use some more advanced brewing techniques than I have tried previously, including preparing a yeast starter. The gentleman at my local homebrew supply store told me that the best way to prepare a starter is to combine about 4 cups of water with 1 cup of DME, boil for 10-15 minutes and cool to pitching temp. (75ish) Add 1/8 tsp of yeast nutrient and pitch my yeast, in this case 1 vial of WLP001, white labs california ale then shake thoroughly to aerate. The gear he recommended was a 2000ml flask and a foam stopper, both of which I purchased. His last piece of advice was to give it a quick shake several times a day to keep the yeast in suspension as it would promote more rapid metabolism of the sugars in the starter. He told me to prep it a day or two ahead of time and to pour off and clear liquid that formed on top of the starter as I would not want it in my carboy.
Well, I followed his advice to the letter but my starter isn't doing a hell of a lot! it's got a thin layer of bubbles but isn't as vigorous as I would have expected. I started it yesterday at about 11am, I'm planning on brewing tonight at about 5pm, perhaps earlier if possible. Is my timeline realistic? Was my starter prepared correctly? Am I just expecting more activity from my starter than is normal? Halp!