Starters from 25 billion cells...

[mattrennert]

I scoured the forums and couldn't find any info on this exact method...

I want to take a WLP vial (~100billion cells) and split that into 4 sanitized vials (~25 million cells each) and stick them in the fridge. Four days before brew, take one vial, make a 1 L starter to take it back to 100 billion cells, decant, add another 1 L to take it over 200 billion cells (all on stir-plate). Should be able to get four beers from a $6 vial.

This seems easier than washing yeast, and I would rather not pitch on the cake. I cant think of any real drawbacks to this, but my brain isn't working. If anyone else can, please chime in.

(i was using yeastcalc.com for my starter steps)

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

When I decide to brew a 5 gallon batch of "normal" gravity beer. I almost always make a 4L starter that I bump up over the course of 2-3 days. On brew day I fill a couple vials with some slurry and save for next time.

What you are doing is a great idea, you just need to plan a little further in advance.

Cheers!

 

[38372]

Really like the idea of this mattrennert

Have a few questions. You are using those 200 billion cells for a 5 gallon batch or for a 10 gallon??

I have been thinking of reusing my yeast. I watched http://billybrew.com/yeast-washing where he is reusing yeast from a single carboy and putting it into 4 pint mason jars. He then uses one to create a starter but I am not sure if he is pitching that one starter into a 5 gallon batch or a 10.

I am looking for the best way to save some money on yeast and allow me to store it in case of a spur the moment brewsesh

 

[passedpawn]

I scoured the forums and couldn't find any info on this exact method...

I want to take a WLP vial (~100billion cells) and split that into 4 sanitized vials (~25 million cells each) and stick them in the fridge. Four days before brew, take one vial, make a 1 L starter to take it back to 100 billion cells, decant, add another 1 L to take it over 200 billion cells (all on stir-plate). Should be able to get four beers from a $6 vial.

This seems easier than washing yeast, and I would rather not pitch on the cake. I cant think of any real drawbacks to this, but my brain isn't working. If anyone else can, please chime in.

(i was using yeastcalc.com for my starter steps)

I used to split a pack into 10 parts and freeze them with glycerine. Many others do this.

Now, I just brew with the pack then split the yeast cake into a bunch of santized jars. I think it's easier.

 

[mattrennert]

I would only use this method for 5 gallon batches with gravity less than1.065

 

[pabloj13]

I would only use this method for 5 gallon batches with gravity less than1.065

Why? You can increase the steps and make starters of any size and cell count.

 

[Yooper]

I used to split a pack into 10 parts and freeze them with glycerine. Many others do this.

Now, I just brew with the pack then split the yeast cake into a bunch of santized jars. I think it's easier.

I never froze yeast, but I used to do what you are planning- divide up the package and then build up starters.

But I find that it's so much easier to simply brew once, and then split up the yeast cake by washing it.

I did that yesterday. I had brewed a 1.048 cream ale with a 2L starter. Once it was done, I "rinsed" the yeast cake and split it into four. I now have three pint jars of beautiful yeast in my fridge, and pitched 375 ml into yesterday's 10 gallon batch (per mrmalty). I didn't need a starter, and I've already made 15 gallons of beer with that vial. I have 3 more pint jars to use, and can rinse those and reuse as well.

Any of these methods can work well, as long as you're as sanitary as possible. I boiled my jars and lids, instead of simply sanitizing them.

One of the things I would do if I wanted to get really into this is to buy some slants and loops and actually freeze them. That makes a sterile environment, so you start with a sterile medium. Then build up the starters from there.

 

[mattrennert]

Why? You can increase the steps and make starters of any size and cell count.

Yes. I was just saying with the two steps, I only go to 1.065. A third or fourth step would be in order for a larger gravity beer.

 

[pabloj13]

Yes. I was just saying with the two steps, I only go to 1.065. A third or fourth step would be in order for a larger gravity beer.

Gotcha. Yeah, I'd use yeastcalc no matter what. Good practice.

 

[Stauffbier]

I do all of the above. When I get a new vial, and I need to make a starter for whatever I'm brewing currently I make a starter that's 2 times as much as I need. I split it, save half, and pitch half. Then, when the batch is finished I also wash yeast. I get endless amounts of good yeast this way.

 

[badbrew]

Make a 1L starter with the packet. After fermenting, swirl it up good and pour evenly in 5- 8 oz mason jars liquid and all. Easy as pie. The alcohol should hopefully help to fight infection.

 

[38372]

Have I been under pitching this entire time??

I have never done a starter but have pitched 1 liquid vial into each 5 gallon batch I have made. Also the same with dry packets.

Mrmalty says that I would need 4 vials or packs for 11 gallons. I thought Vials had 100 billion cells and packets had 200 million anyways so why would that be the same?

To clarify.. if I split a yeast cake in a 5 gallon carboy into 4 mason jars. Then take one to create a starter for 10 gallons. Mrmalty says i need 181 ml of yeast. How do I go about making a starter that large? I have a stir plate and 2 beakers a 2L and 1L, but have never used them.

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

Make a 1L starter with the packet. After fermenting, swirl it up good and pour evenly in 5- 8 oz mason jars liquid and all. Easy as pie. The alcohol should hopefully help to fight infection.

Packet? If you are using dry yeast, it is relatively inexpensive, why save it?

 

[pabloj13]

Packet? If you are using dry yeast, it is relatively inexpensive, why save it?

Although I agree, this is getting less and less to be the case. Dry yeast packets are up to $4 a packet at my LHBS. If you could make 1 packet split many times, you would still save quite a bit of cash money.

 

[badbrew]

Packet? If you are using dry yeast, it is relatively inexpensive, why save it?

pack, packet, vial, whatever. I was referring to the OP with liquid yeast.