Harvested BugCounty....how long would you keep it?

[corey0212]

This past Wednesday, I racked my Wild Ale that I brewed with East Coast Yeast's BugCounty....I really wanted to get a second batch out of this strain, so I harvested a small amount. I haven't done a whole lot of yeast harvesting, but this being a special strain, I really was hoping to get another brew going with it. I didn't do any washing of any kind....the yeast itself was incredibly clean-looking....all I did was take a sanitized stainless measuring cup, and put a couple scoops into a sanitized Mason jar...pretty rudimentary, I know, but there it is.

Anyway, for a variety of reasons, the earliest I'd be able to brew would be a week from today, and that day is actually looking iffy at best. I know there's like 1,892 threads on this type of stuff, but I wasn't coming up with anything specifically pertaining to any buggy/yeast blends like BugCounty.

So, how long would you keep it?

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

I've never tried saving yeast without washing first but I've had mixed cultures survive -- even completely wild cultures -- in the fridge for well over a year. I think removing the trub and avoiding air exposure helps extend viability but I would assume you could go weeks, maybe a couple of months, and still have enough viability to kick off a new batch.

 

[Calder]

I wouldn't wash it. You don't know which part the bugs will be in. Just keep it in a mason jar in the fridge, and pitch the whole lot when ready. Best used within a week, but would not expect any issues with keeping it for a month.

Keeping it longer, you may start getting autolysis, at which time you would need to wash it to use it ...... back to my first line; I wouldn't know where the bugs are if washing it.

 

[smokinghole]

Don't wash it and just use it within a few weeks.

 

[chromados]

Just mail it to me and I will properly dispose of it correctly for you. I am so jealous of you guys who have been able to get your hands on his stuff, but I have always been just a little to late and they are sold out.

Chromados

 

[corey0212]

Just mail it to me and I will properly dispose of it correctly for you. I am so jealous of you guys who have been able to get your hands on his stuff, but I have always been just a little to late and they are sold out.

Chromados

Believe me, I came into this through rather unconventional means. A homebrewer on BA (who I also believe I've seen on these boards) was kind enough to sell and ship out a vial of this funkiness to me. I was shut out of the most recent delivery of East Coast Yeast...hoping to have better luck next time!!