brentt03

Recipes 

Well I know you all are going to say to make a starter, but I don't think I have the appropriate supplies to make one. I ordered 2 Wyeast Smack Packs...think this will do the trick? (*Please say yes*)

BigBadMikey

Recipes 

Too many factors not mentioned to give you an answer. What will the OG be? What is the age of the yeast packs? Using Mr. Malty will help you answer your question.

pm5k00

Recipes 

If your OG is 1.055 with smack packs at 95% viability you would want 6 smack packs. Get some DME and a sanitary vessel and make a basic starter.

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brentt03

Recipes 

OG is 1.063 and the yeast packs are prob less than a week old.

Ugh, I know you are right, have no way to get some DME in time as we are looking to brew on Sunday; no homebrew store nearby. Looks like I need to do some googling on a starter with grains

Dr_Jeff

Recipes 

get a jar of molasses and mix it with twice as much water, makes a good starter in a pinch

bratrules

Recipes 

Or try picking up some malta!! if your supermarket carries it works for making starters. i have one going right now on my stir plate!

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BigRob

Recipes 

Making a starter from grains is simple, mash enough grains to make as many liters of 1.040 wort as you need for the starter, boil it for a half hour, chill, and off to the starter races.

corkybstewart

Recipes 

If you have ingredients for 15 gallons you have ingredients to make a decent starter, or you should wait. Why risk that amount of time and money and not have enough yeast to do the job?

brentt03

Recipes 

Seems like making a starter will be my best bet no matter what; plus much cheaper than buying 4-5 more smack packs.

Any quick links on a how-to?

KuntzBrewing

Recipes 

Its not the best but even basic sugar will make a starter. Typically 1.5 smack packs per 5 gals is what is needed. So ull need 4-5 smack packs. With no starter, take ur 2 packs and make a gallon starter