Advice On Dry Yeast or Starter For 3 Gallon Batch

[eggersjay]

Hello, first post on here... I am planning on brewing a clone of Canadian Breakfast Stout, an Imperial Stout with an intended OG of around 1.090 and volume of 3 gallons. I usually brew smaller batches, 1-2 gallons, and use dry yeast sprinkled right on top of the wort and it works like a champ. I don't have much experience with "larger" batches and I'm wondering if I should make a starter from the dry yeast or maybe purchase some liquid yeast? Also, can anyone suggest a good yeast to use to handle the higher gravity? Thanks!

 

[VikeMan]

For a big beer, it's not really a question dry vs. liquid, but rather pitching enough viable cells. I strongly recommend using one of yeast calculators to determine how much you need for this beer, and make an appropriate starter (or enough packs without a starter).

As far as yeast strains for high gravity, the "Chico" strains, like US-05 or WLP001 can handle the ABV resulting from a 1.090 gravity just fine. And just as importantly, they are good for a CBS clone.

ETA: I'd ferment this at low temps. I ferment my big stouts (with WLP001) at 61F. That's fermentation temperature, which for a beer like this will be more than a little bit higher than ambient temp.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

... Canadian Breakfast Stout, an Imperial Stout with an intended OG of around 1.090 and volume of 3 gallons. I usually brew smaller batches, 1-2 gallons, and use dry yeast sprinkled right on top of the wort and it works like a champ.

I don't have much experience with "larger" batches and I'm wondering if I should make a starter from the dry yeast or maybe purchase some liquid yeast?

Lallemand has additional advice on how to use their dry yeast strains in higher OG worts. For Nottingham, take a look at the technical data sheet (link). They also have a pitch rate calculator (link) that could be used as a starting point. IIRC, Fermentis has similar advice.

Also, can anyone suggest a good yeast to use to handle the higher gravity? Thanks!

I have brewed enjoyable OG 90 beers with US-05 by doubling my normal pitch rate and sprinkling the yeast on top of the wort.

 

[dmtaylor]

3 gallons is still a "small" batch. Even at 1.090 I would only use one pack of any dried yeast. You can use two packs of dried yeast if you are concerned, but I don't think it's necessary. With any liquid yeast, you will want to make a decent sized starter starter for sure. Not necessary doing anything fancy with dried yeast though.

 

[eggersjay]

Thanks for all the good information! Sounds like I'll probably stick with the dry yeast, probably US-05. Like Vikeman said, I'll check out a calculator and pitch appropriately.