Bigger than 1L starter for Dubbel?

[dcHokie]

Couple days ago I made a 1L starter (no stir plate, just shaking every so often) with a brand new Wy3787 (Trappist High Gravity) and was planning to step it up to around 2L for a Belgian Dubbel with an OG of 1.075, but didn't get around to it. Think I could give it a go at 1L & brew today, or am I just asking for trouble?

I think I know the answer to this question, but would love some feedback.

 

[suprchunk]

I have not had any problems pitching one pack (without a starter whatsoever) in a bigger beer than that - 1090 Barleywine and about a 1090 RIS. The only problem was a slower than wanted start. I do try and pitch everything now with at least a 2L starter to make it start quicker and maintain a healthier count when pitching. You should be alright, if after a couple days there is nothing, pitch some more in there.

 

[dcHokie]

Thanks suprchunk, I'm at the point where I know just enough to worry about everything. I love the concept of RDWHAHB, I'm just not that good at it yet.

 

[Prionburger]

I like to use the mr malty pitching calculator for my starters. Used it on my belgian blonde a month ago and the beer came out excellent.

If it says you need a 4L starter, you could start with a 2L starter first, then decant the beer off when the yeast settles. After that, put a fresh 2L of starter wort (1.035ish gravity) on the yeast. The result will equal a 4L starter I think, which sounds about right to me for a 1.075 OG wort.

 

[dcHokie]

I like to use the mr malty pitching calculator for my starters. Used it on my belgian blonde a month ago and the beer came out excellent.

If it says you need a 4L starter, you could start with a 2L starter first, then decant the beer off when the yeast settles. After that, put a fresh 2L of starter wort (1.035ish gravity) on the yeast. The result will equal a 4L starter I think, which sounds about right to me for a 1.075 OG wort.

I was going to decant and step up, but ended up just chucking it in there, it was probably 1100 mL (about 65-70% of what Mr. Malty recommended).

FWIW, that thing is a rocket ship. It's been going crazy, had 3" krausen after 5 hrs. A day later its flying up the blowoff tube...its easily climbing 2.5 feet of vertical travel on a 1" diameter tube, pretty sure this strain has gasoline and viagara in it. Time will tell if it keeps churning away once it comes down of it's initial sugar high.

 

[suprchunk]

Thanks suprchunk, I'm at the point where I know just enough to worry about everything. I love the concept of RDWHAHB, I'm just not that good at it yet.

Neither am I. I am always worried I forgot something or messed something up. But I learned long ago that I can't control what I can't control. So, while I may worry at first, I just let it go.