Wyeast vs dry yeast

[Apoxiosis]

Hello all. I was wondering if anyone had a preference toward wyeast or dry yeast, and in particular, why?

I'm a first time brewer, and all of the options are a bit overwhelming.

Thanks guys!

 

[schwiz]

I just like the satisfaction of slapping the wyeast pack and watching it blow up.

 

[fatbloke]

Whereas I like to ensure that when I inoculate, I like that I will always have enough yeast cells for batches up to 5 gallons, which I do with dry yeasts.Not so with liquid yeasts where starters have to be made.

Oh and I don't like paying about 6 times the price.

The best wine strains are available as dry so I'll go with that.

 

[ericbw]

It depends on the style. Some styles need the flavor of the yeast, so you should pick the best choice in that regard.

I usually get by with us-05 (dry) for most beers. For stout or Irish red, I spring for liquid (white labs 004) because I think it adds to the finished product.

I have not had good luck with WB-06 (dry), so I will probably use liquid when I do a wheat beer next.

But us-05 and s-04 usually work fit what I make.

 

[ericbw]

Just realized this is the mead forum. Ignore me!

 

[schwiz]

Just realized this is the mead forum. Ignore me!

Your question is still relevant in the mead forum!

 

[loveofrose]

Hello all. I was wondering if anyone had a preference toward wyeast or dry yeast, and in particular, why?



I'm a first time brewer, and all of the options are a bit overwhelming.



Thanks guys!

Whew. That's a loaded question. Really, it just depends on your goals.

Do you want the mead to be like a neutral white wine? D21, DV10, EC1118

Do you want an estery mead? KIV-1116 is a good way to go.

Do you want fast mead? Wyeast 1388 like in the BOMM. FB is correct that you will need a starter for a 5 gallon batch however.

Are you making fruit based mead?
71B and RC212

Think of yeast as tools. Different tools do a different job. Wouldn't use a screwdriver on a nail, right?



Better brewing through science!

 

[Apoxiosis]

Whew. That's a loaded question. Really, it just depends on your goals.

Do you want the mead to be like a neutral white wine? D21, DV10, EC1118

Do you want an estery mead? KIV-1116 is a good way to go.

Do you want fast mead? Wyeast 1388 like in the BOMM. FB is correct that you will need a starter for a 5 gallon batch however.

Are you making fruit based mead?
71B and RC212

Think of yeast as tools. Different tools do a different job. Wouldn't use a screwdriver on a nail, right?



Better brewing through science!

That's a very informative post. I'm gonna go ahead and write that down lol. I'm Afraid I may have botched my first batch. As I said, I'm a first time brewer, armed only with a very basic knowledge of brewing. I used wyeast in my first batch, but I surely didn't make a starter, considering I never heard of the term until I read these posts.

Anyways, I'm reading through the compleat meadmaker, but if anyone has any advice on mistakes that novice brewers often make, I'd love to learn more.

Thanks guys!

 

[schwiz]

Here is a good informative video on the topic http://youtu.be/QsCEuEnnv9E?list=PLD8EB531C25FB980C