So I am planning a brew day this weekend and was going to do a stout. According to the calculators, I needed to do a 2 step starter. I usually do a starter in a 1500ml pitcher, however I ordered a 2000ml flask which was to be delivered today. Knowing this, I did my first step starter in the pitcher, pitched 2 packs of wyeast and stuck it on the stir plate. after work, 12 hours later, my new flask had arrived. Seeing that the pitcher was filled to the top, I decided to transfer the starter to the flask. I cleaned and sanitized the flask first, as well as the funnel. However, when I transferred the starter from the pitcher, a lot of the starter dripped down the exterior of the pitcher and into the funnel. This path of least resistance occurred for pretty much the entire time I dumped the starter. So, since I didn't even think about the outside of the pitcher I didn't think to sanitize it prior to the transfer. What do you all think? ruined or not? Contaminated or just over thinking things. I have pitched yeast from a vial of white labs that exploded when I opened it and some of the contents dribbled down the side of the vial and into the funnel without issue a long time ago. but a good portion of this 1500 ml just clung to the pitcher and dripped into the funnel, then the flask. I worry too much.
Contamination over-thinking
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I'm really paranoid about contamination too, so I won't tell you my opinion. It would just worry you even more. Very interested in what others might think.
Sounds like i'm in good company. I think i'm going to dump it. If it were simply the yeast that dripped off the pitcher, that's one thing. But it was wort. I am sure some sort of fermentation had started, but it couldn't have been much. And there was a lot of wort that just clung to that damn pitcher before going into the flask. and I feel that the exterior of the pitcher (which I didn't have submerged in Star San) is more prone to have stuff hanging around that would infect the wort.
its sux though. cause that's a good amount of cash going down the drain. Maybe ill make a 3 step starter and make enough extra to use on the next brew day.
its sux though. cause that's a good amount of cash going down the drain. Maybe ill make a 3 step starter and make enough extra to use on the next brew day.
flars
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I probably would have gone ahead with the starter unless the pitcher had obvious dirt on it. A larger funnel and faster pour will prevent those dribbles.
I don't think I would have used two packs of yeast in a small volume starter unless the yeast was less than 50% viable. Would need details on the age of the yeast though.
I don't think I would have used two packs of yeast in a small volume starter unless the yeast was less than 50% viable. Would need details on the age of the yeast though.
Personally, I think its fine. Not ideal, but I've found it pretty hard to come across contamination. I do clean and sanitize good and am careful on my transfers. I recently had to basically stick my arm in my fermenter prior to pitching yeast and nothing happened. There is a thread somewhere around here that people posted their experiences with bad sanitation practices and it didn't hurt their beer. Your situation is not ideal, but I would guess it will turn out fine.
The yeast was about 2 months old... Calculator said 65% viable. BTW, its still spinning away. I just let it go because I am so on the fence.
The pitcher sat in the basement where the brewery is for a while. I washed it... like 2 weeks ago and let it hang out on the drying rack. When I made the starter Thursday, I rewashed the pitcher. (cant remember what I did on the exterior, but I know for sure I plunged the sponge inside and cleaned all the interior, dried with a paper towel and then filled with sanitizer.)
So, its still going. I am doing a 10 gallon stout and plan on aging 5 gallons until Christmas of 2017. That's why this is such a concern to me.
![Craft A Brew - Safale S-04 Dry Yeast - Fermentis - English Ale Dry Yeast - For English and American Ales and Hard Apple Ciders - Ingredients for Home Brewing - Beer Making Supplies - [1 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fVGNh6JfL._SL500_.jpg)
kristiismean
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While I would not use this yeast in something that I am aging that long, and risk finding out it's ruinied, I would use it in a daily beer. when picking up new yeast, grab 10 lbs of 2 row and a few oz of hops and use it in that 
While I would not use this yeast in something that I am aging that long, and risk finding out it's ruinied, I would use it in a daily beer. when picking up new yeast, grab 10 lbs of 2 row and a few oz of hops and use it in that
I was actually thinking about doing just that. A simple smash or something.
If the yeast was stored in a refrigerator, my calculator estimates it at 96% viable. Properly stored yeast doesn't degrade nearly as fast as most calculators seem to think.
http://www.woodlandbrew.com/2012/12/refrigeration-effects-on-yeast-viability.html
Just an update, for anyone who has a similar occurrence: I ended up doing a modified ESB, pitched the yeast and waited it out. The beer came out just fine. No hint of off flavor. very drinkable, caramely and a hint of citrus. Thanks for all the help.
Brew on!
Brew on!
