yeast starters

beerbelay · 05-04-2009, 11:50 PM

I'm on my 6th batch and have been using white labs and w-yeast smack packs. My question is that if I'm brewing(extract w/grains) 5 gal.of 5.5-7.5 abv. beer do I need a starter, is it better with a starter or am I ok doing what I'm doing. I am currently drinking Stone ruination clone and it tastes pretty good. Just bottled snv celebration.

Gargon · 05-05-2009, 12:00 AM

I don't have many batches under my belt but i would say a starter would be good just to make sure you got some Healthy Yeast.

nostalgia · 05-05-2009, 12:49 AM

A starter is always a good thing, but not always a necessity. For most normal gravity ales (< 1.060) you should be OK to pitch right from the Activator pack.

I think the "Propagator" packs are designed to be pitched into starters.

-Joe

Willie3 · 05-05-2009, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nostalgia

A starter is always a good thing, but not always a necessity. For most normal gravity ales (< 1.060) you should be OK to pitch right from the Activator pack.

I think the "Propagator" packs are designed to be pitched into starters.

-Joe

Hey how did the brew day go?

Warren

nostalgia · 05-05-2009, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie3

Hey how did the brew day go?

Great! And thanks to the 4l starter I made for the lager yeast it's merrily bubbling away already.

-Joe

Willie3 · 05-05-2009, 02:56 AM

How big was your brew?

And what subtype?

WW