thedude123

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So someone asked this question many posts ago but it was not answered: How many generations of the yeast can you freeze? Basically how many times can I wash then extract and freeze the same yeast?

jameswardpeterson

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I'm working on making a centrefuge for one baby soda bottle test tube, just for the hell of it kinda. im not yet in a position to use a yeast bank, but if anyone is interested in can fill them in on how to whip one up easy for separating yeast.

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FlyGuy

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Good question. I don't know the answer - I haven't tried to wash and re-freeze yeast yet. But I am sure it is possible.

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Warped04

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hb99 uses 7th generation in his washed yeast, I've heard 5 is the general rule. I don't know why that wouldn't apply here.

thedude123

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So if you could only go 5 generations, you would eventually have to buy yeast again correct?

Danek

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From my understanding, there isn't really a specific number of generations of yeast that it's OK to use. The basic principle is that the more generations of yeast you use, the greater the chance of a mutation in the yeast that results in flavors you don't want. Five generations would probably be fine, and I'm sure I've heard of people on here using a fifth generation of yeast to make good beer. Ten generations could be fine. I guess hypothetically 100 generations could be fine, though it probably wouldn't be.

Basically, the cost of using too-old yeast will probably be some off flavors in a batch of beer, but it's hard (or perhaps impossible) to accurately predict ahead of time when the yeast will be too old. Taking multiple samples of first-generation yeast would seem a good way of minimising the risk.

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FlyGuy

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It is more than it sounds. For every 'batch' that you freeze, make sure that you use one of those starters to make another 10 vials. That's 50 vials of yeast before you have to buy a new package.

If you froze a new batch TWICE per old batch, that's 100 vials.

If you froze a batch of 10 vials EVERY time you made up a starter (in theory, not that hard) then you will have enough vials of yeast to last you a lifetime before you hit 5 generations!

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Cheap 10 gal cooler MLT • $3 Autosiphon • Aluminum Pot FAQ • Easy Steam Injection Mash System • Make a Frozen Yeast Bank
Improving Stovetop Boiling • Improving AG Efficiency

thedude123

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Ya, I suppose you are right 5 generations just makes it seem like it would only be 5 batches of beer but I see what you are saying.

Philip1993

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Sure, post away!

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Gargoyle88

Recipes 

Can the yeast from a secondary fermenter be used to start a yeast bank? The equipment I needed did not arrive in time for me to use the yeast in my primary...

Up next ........... English brown: "How Now Brown Ale"
In primary ........ Air
In secondary ...... ESB
Bottled ............ Belgian Double