Reusing washed yeast quantity question?

[Beardown]

I plan on washing yeast from my current batch for the 1st time. It is Wyeast 1056 and plan on filling 4 pint mason jars. How much of this should be used to pitch to the next batch? 5 gallon batches ... Thanks

 

[kombat]

This isn't very scientific, but I've heard that a decent repitch rate is to repitch roughly 1/4 to 1/3 of the cake from the previous batch.

 

[Dixon9717]

Are you washing or just harvesting the yeast? I harvest my yeast and use about 1/2 pint jar for 5 gallon batch. I boil a quart or so of water and when it cools I add it to the trub in the carboy. Swirl it around and fill the pint jars to the top. After a while in the fridge the yeast settles to the bottom. Decant the top liquid and pitch into new batch. I don't measure other then eyeball it.

 

[Beardown]

I plan on doing similar to what you describe. So about 1/2 pint of yeast will do the trick? Also would it be ok if the yeast sits in the pint mason jars for a few weeks?

 

[KeninMN]

I've found that leaving a little bit of beer behind when transferring the finished beer, swirling it up with the yeast, and then simply pouring out 16 oz into a sanitized jar works best. Then when I'm ready to use it I'll take it out of the refrigerator, allow it to warm up to room temperature, and then make a vitality starter a minimum of four hours prior to the time I think I will need to pitch it.

 

[Beardown]

Thanks, would it still be good if stored in fridge for a few weeks?

 

[CU_tony]

Yup, youll want to store it in a sterilized (boiled and cooled) jar, make sure to leave the lid a loose enough to deal with temp/off gassing for a few days so you dont end up with a stuck lid

And for sure leave it in the fridge to preserve the yeast!

 

[DurtyChemist]

Read the yeast washing thread. It answered this for you.

It's easier to harvest from starters.