I'm an extract brewer and have recently been told that I should use Yeast Nutrient for a stronger yeast and, I suppose, a more complete fermentation. Do any of you have experience or knowledge of this stuff?
who told you you need yeast nutrient? i've always been under the impression that the extract provides all the nutrients the yeast need. adding it wont hurt anything.
I use it in every batch. Extract or all grain, you still want the yeasties to at their peak so they can convert all that sugar to alcohol. Sure they'll grow if you don't use it, but I figure I want to give them every possible advantage (which also means oxygenating and using a big starter). Stressed yeast can lead to off flavors and stuck fermentations.
I just use starters... if I'm doing a more normal beer w/ OG like 1.050 or so, I just pitch usually, though, as liquid and dry yeasts have more than enough healthy yeast cells to do the job right. If I'm doing a bit bigger beer, I'll do a starter, and make the yeast extra happy.
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Fermenting: 10 gals Phil's Phlavorful Brown Ale, 5 gals pLambic in secondary
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Bottled: Pear Mead
Drinking: All of the above :)
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One of the Brewmasters from Brooklyn Brewery gave a class on yeasts where I work (Brooklyn Kitchen Labs, we have a home brew section now!) last night (I couldn't make it) and suggested, I am told, that extract brewers could greatly benefit from using Yeast Nutrient. I suppose a big started would do the trick as far as good fermentation is concerned, I just wanted to know what the home brew community thought. I trust you guys!
Malt extract provides sugar, protein and a few minerals. Yeast nutrient adds lipids, vitamins and other things needed for optimal growth not found in the extract or wort.
Again: you don't need it; but having happy yeast is a good thing, right?
BTW - for a starter, I generally don't add extra nutrient, as I use smack packs, which have some nutrient built in. If you are using white labs or washed yeast, nutrients could help.
I only use yeast nutrient to wake up a dormant, washed yeast. I find that they become active more quickly and I don't have to make my starters as far in advance.
Yeast Nutrient??
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