birdley123

Recipes 

I'm getting ready to start my second batch, its a Fat Tire clone extract kit that uses a WhiteLabs California V Ale Yeast WLP051. Is there anything special I need to know about this particular yeast vs. dry? I've read lots of posts about starters and no starters, and Im just making sure I do the right thing the FIRST time!

Thanks,

jflongo

Recipes 

Depends on your gravity level on whether you need a starter or not. Safe bet, is just to do a 1L starter a day ahead. If it's a low gravity beer you can just pitch it as is, but a starter is always a good idea. If it's a high gravity beer then do a 2L starter or a two step starter.

thadius856

Recipes 

Yes. Do a starter. IIRC, a Fat Tire OG should be in the range of 1.055. That's definitely in the starter territory for anything larger than 2.5 gallons with a fresh liquid pack.

If you want to skip the starter, I'd recommend switching yeasts to (dry) Safale US-05 and re-hydrating just before pitching.

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Cyclman

Recipes 

IMO starters always make for better fermentation, at least if using liquid yeast.

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birdley123

Recipes 

OK, heres a noob question; how do I make a 1L starter? My first batch I used Safeale 05 dry. I'm all for making it better, I just don't know anything about starters...

Thx,

jflongo

Recipes 

birdley123

Recipes 

Is there a "better" yeast than what I've currently got?
I'm all ears...

thadius856

Recipes 

Never tried California V. MrMalty says WLP051 is harvested from Anchor's Liberty Ale. Analogue is Wyeast WY1242.

Many clone recipes call for it. Others just call for a clean fermenting US ale yeast, most often Chico strain (WY1056, WL001, US-05).

I went with Belgian Abbey on mine, and I'm finding I'm not a huge fan of it.

Your call. If you find yourself in a pinch for time, the US-05 would be cheaper and wouldn't need a starter. You might need to pitch 2 packs depending on gravity and quantity, but they're less than $4 each.

__________________
Chest Freezer Spec Sheets and Layout Drawings (15 models and counting)

Tips: Utilize Your Erlenmeyer's Full Capacity

See profile for brews in primary, on tap, etc.