Liquid Yeast question

[ryan_boc]

I am about to place an order for a kolsch as my next brew, and morebeer.com recommends that I use liquid yeast. Is this something I can just pitch in? Or do I have to buy a yeast starter kit along with the liquid yeast to do the whole yeast starter thing?

 

[PintOfBitter]

I've begun making starters every time (i use liquid yeasts exclusively now, also) because of numerous not-quite-complete fermentations. Low grav beers should be okay with just the smack pack/tube, but only if the yeast is healthy and viable. I'd suggest making the starter, you don't really need fancy equipment. I've used a large beer bottle.

 

[Iordz]

You can just pitch the yeast. For a Kolsch it is of the utmost importance to use Kolsch yeast, otherwise you really can call the beer Kolsch. You don't have to buy a starter kit to make starters, you can use any clean bottles you have, even a 22oz beer bottle will work. Boil 500ml water and 1/2 cup DME for 15min, cool to 80F, pitch yeast and let it ferment over 8 hours, then just pitch the starter into the aerated wort.