Timeline for Bad (dead) yeast? What now?
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
12 events
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| Jul 31, 2013 at 14:55 | history | edited | Scott | CC BY-SA 3.0 |
Added a topic from HBT on yeast pitching rates
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| Jul 31, 2013 at 14:47 | comment | added | Scott | That is incorrect. Even Wyeast has on their site that one single smack pack is insufficient for anything above 1.060 for a 5 gallon batch (wyeastlab.com/hb_makingastarter.cfm). For anything higher (or even close to 1.060), you either need a starter to increase the cell count, or more pouches to compensate. If you are brewing smaller batches, one pouch may suffice. It's widely accepted that using starters for liquid yeast is a best practice to ensure yeast health, active fermentation, and good, consistent attenuation. | |
| Jul 31, 2013 at 13:48 | comment | added | Chris Plaisier | I disagree with Scott about starters. I have never used a starter even with high gravity beers and have had no issues with my final gravity readings. I use the Wyeast with the smack pack activators pretty much exclusively and if they puff up they usually begin fermentation the next morning. If you want to do a yeast starter it probably wouldn't hurt anything but by no means is it necessary. One of these days will have to do an experiment. But for beginning brewers pitching the single package should suffice. The problem seems to be that it might have been a damaged package of yeast to start. | |
| S Jul 31, 2013 at 12:35 | history | suggested | Zac B | CC BY-SA 3.0 |
Grammar, punctuation, clarity
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| Jul 31, 2013 at 12:09 | review | Suggested edits | |||
| S Jul 31, 2013 at 12:35 | |||||
| Jul 30, 2013 at 18:50 | comment | added | paul | This is a good answer, but it should also be added that there's a huge difference in the amount of cells in liquid yeasts vs dry. If you want to see the yeast getting started more quickly and don't want to use a starter, you should use dry yeast. It has 2-4 times the amount of cells as liquid. For the price of one liquid you can buy 2 dry yeast packets, which would give you a ton to start with. Unless you want the flavor of a specialty strain, most ales turn out great with the standard American or English dry yeast. | |
| Jul 29, 2013 at 21:00 | comment | added | Scott | Ah, yes, you definitely needed that second pouch then. The activator doesn't count as a starter, it adds various nutrients and goodies for the yeast to warm up a bit, but that's about all it does. While that is necessary, you should still make a starter (see the video in my answer above). One of the biggest problems beginning brewers have is under-pitching yeast. Once you cross over the "sessionable gravity" line, you really do need starters or more yeast than just one pack/vial, or else your FG will be higher than you want. One pouch/vial does not often equal one carboy. | |
| Jul 29, 2013 at 20:48 | comment | added | NDthunder | I misunderstood what you meant by starter. I used Wyeast with an activator pack inside the pouch. Against some advice (including expert at my local supply shop) I did add more yeast yesterday afternoon. By this morning, there was activity. I'll never know if it was the new yeast packet or if it was the first. And of course, only time will tell if there were any lasting affects. | |
| Jul 29, 2013 at 20:45 | vote | accept | NDthunder | ||
| Jul 28, 2013 at 13:45 | comment | added | Scott | Did you see any fermentation in the starter? How long did you let the starter sit for? Was it with a stir plate or without? | |
| Jul 28, 2013 at 13:40 | comment | added | NDthunder | It did have a starter. Once my local supply shop is open, I'll go get another and pitch it this evening. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks! | |
| Jul 28, 2013 at 12:59 | history | answered | Scott | CC BY-SA 3.0 |