"Joe" > wrote in message
...
> I followed a recipe in Wine Makers Recipe Book. The strawberry one. I
did
> a 5 gallon batch, but added 1 extra pound of strawberries. I waited 24
> hours, pitched the yeast. Have been gently stirring daily. I always
> sanitize the plastic spoon, ect. It's been almost 48 hours and the yeast
> hasnt kicked in yet. No foam, SG is still 1.090. It has a funny smell to
> it. Any suggestions?

Could that "funny" smell be yeast? If you've never done this before, you
wouldn't recognize it as such. Some people don't like the aroma of yeast.

BTW, did you proof the yeast? I usually hydrate it in warm water (~110°F)
with a teaspoon of sugar to give it something to start on. If the yeast is
good, it'll start foaming within ten minutes or so. Then you can pour it
in.

Another possible problem is adding sulfite at the beginning. Yeast needs
oxygen in the growth phase and sulfite deprives it of that. A little
sulfite is OK, but too much is not.

Tom S