Making a starter with corn sugar?

blefferd · 10-05-2007, 02:30 PM

im going to be brewing tonite, and i just found my DME hard as a rock. can i make a stater with corn sugar?

**TexLaw** · 10-05-2007, 02:34 PM

If you are brewing tonight, a starter probably won't do you much good.

From what I understand, just straight sugar isn't great for starters, as the yeast becomes accustomed to that sort of environment and then might stall on you when you pitch into wort. I really don't know if you're better off going without a starter.

TL

vasie · 10-05-2007, 02:53 PM

TexLaw is correct. Your starter needs to contain an appropriate concentration of maltose sugar to ensure that you yeasties don't get "lazy." Corn sugar doesn't contain any maltose.
Are you using dry or liquid yeast? If you are using dry yeast, just rehydrate the yeast in luke-warm water for about 30 minutes, stir, and then pitch.

blefferd · 10-05-2007, 03:08 PM

white labs ale yeast, i dont think i need to do a stater just habit i guess lol

shunoshi · 10-05-2007, 03:22 PM

I'd pitch that tube solo before making a starter with dextrose. As long as your not making a high gravity brew you should be alright.

malkore · 10-05-2007, 03:28 PM

those vials aren't as powerful as you think. just pitch it, but expect lag time.

also, they are pressurized so vent pressure when you open it. if you crank the vial open you'll be wearing a few million yeast cells.

blefferd · 10-05-2007, 03:43 PM

Quote:

those vials aren't as powerful as you think. just pitch it, but expect lag time.

i agree, i guess i could stop by the brew store on the way to work and make a starter tonite then just brew tommorro night. oh the choices ahead of me LOL

shunoshi · 10-05-2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blefferd

i agree, i guess i could stop by the brew store on the way to work and make a starter tonite then just brew tommorro night. oh the choices ahead of me LOL

If you have the time that sounds like the best plan.

**the_bird** · 10-05-2007, 03:50 PM

Or, stop by the LBS and pick up some dry yeast (unless it's something that really calls for a specialized yeast, you didn't say what you're brewing). US-05 or S-04 will handle most any domestic or English ale.

iamjonsharp · 10-05-2007, 04:43 PM

(Off topic in regards to starters...) You can still use the DME even though its hard as a rock, right? Try smashing up with a hammer or something first? Or is it too much of a pain to use and better to just trash?