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outrunu · 12-29-2012, 04:00 PM

I kegged last week, and with the holidays I didn't have time to do a yeast wash like I planned. I had a ten gallon batch, so I have two yeast cakes in carboys, that I left a layer of beer on and shot some co2 into the carboy. They've been stored at about 34^f. Is it even possible to salvage this yeast now?

Thanks.

WoodlandBrew · 12-29-2012, 04:28 PM

Yes, they are absolutely salvageable. I wouldn't water wash it. Here is why:
http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2012/12/yeast-washing-exposed.html

It should last for at least six months in the fridge. Here's data on about one month of storage:
http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2012/12/refrigeration-effects-on-yeast-viability.html

outrunu · 12-29-2012, 05:00 PM

So your suggesting to just collect the slurry and refrigerate it? This will be my first time harvesting, if you could give me a rundown of your technique, I would appreciate it.

**sneakymeade** · 12-29-2012, 07:27 PM

I am curious too - would the best practice then be to regularly drain the old water off the top and add fresh?

WoodlandBrew · 12-29-2012, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneakymeade

I am curious too - would the best practice then be to regularly drain the old water off the top and add fresh?

That's what i have been doing and it seems to work.

I just sanitize the mason jars and pour right from the ale pail into them. If some gets on the lip of the jar I wipe it off with a paper towel soaked in whiskey. For the first few days in the fridge CO2 will be off-gassing so you can either leave it barley closed which will allow the CO2 to sneak by as the pressure builds, or let it breath a couple times a day until it stops off-gassing.