Do you hydrate the yeast?

[turbos17]

I have heard mix results from people about hydrating your yeast? Is it necessary? If so how to you specifically do it? Thanks!

 

[Stillraining]

Ya I'm guilty...warm water right from the tap...ya ya I know.

I have pitched directly though...dosen't seem to really matter with my fairly low ABV stuff. Still takes 24 to 36 hours to get going either way for me.

 

[Terek]

i usually do a starter with dry and liquid yeast. Most people will say "you dont need a starter, just pitch two packets" where i reply "then why do YOU do a starter with liquid yeast, just pitch 2 vials" most dont have a real answer to this.

I have also pitched dry yeast strait into lower gravity beers that really dont require more cells, and have had no problems. Fermentation usually starts within a few hours weather i strait pitch, do a starter, or re hydrate. No real noticable difference

 

[Stillraining]

i usually do a starter with dry and liquid yeast. Most people will say "you dont need a starter, just pitch two packets" where i reply "then why do YOU do a starter with liquid yeast, just pitch 2 vials" most dont have a real answer to this.

Ohhh Ohhh I Know..Pic me Pic Me.......Because its expensive?

 

[Terek]

Ohhh Ohhh I Know..Pic me Pic Me.......Because its expensive?

at my LHBS wyeast is around $6.20 a packet, and us-05 is like $5.80, so no real cost difference to me. Much cheaper to do a starter

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

For your basic strains,us05,04,notty,001 I have never done a starter.I always hit my numbers and have action within 14 hours.I then reuse that yeast for endless brews.My beers are on the lighter side 1.065 and under.

 

[Stillraining]

at my LHBS wyeast is around $6.20 a packet, and us-05 is like $5.80, so no real cost difference to me. Much cheaper to do a starter

Ouch...I pay 3.50 for US05

 

[Stillraining]

I then reuse that yeast for endless brews.My beers are on the lighter side 1.065 and under.

Ah! so you do make a starter..

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Ah! so you do make a starter..

NOOOO..I don't consider dumping 400ML into a bucket a starter.If It's not heating water or on a stir plate its not a starter
After the first batch its free yeast

 

[Terek]

NOOOO..I don't consider dumping 400ML into a bucket a starter.If It's not heating water or on a stir plate its not a starter
After the first batch its free yeast

i always do a starter with washed yeast. And i usually will only use washed yeast up to 5 generations. After that, it starts to mutate

 

[MarkKF]

I use a starter. Just dry yeast in a growler of apple cider. Shake every 4-6 hours. When it's obvious the yeast is live I pour it into the carboy. That gives the Camden time to work and everything is room temp.

 

[Maylar]

For pasteurized juice I just sprinkle dry yeast into the must. For unpasteurized orchard cider with added K-Meta I will rehydrate the yeast first. Otherwise it takes a few days to get moving.