Liquid Yeast

[captaineriv]

Hey everyone. I'm looking for a place to order Wyeast Ale yeast that's reasonably priced and reliable to shop with. I usually use dried yeast from my local homebrew store but their selection of liquid yeast is very limited, and I'm trying to start experimenting with liquid yeast.

Thanks
captaineriv

 

[Walker]

i think posting this in only one forum will be fine!

I see three postings now.

 

[captaineriv]

Probably so. Should have considered the fact that it floods the forums.

 

[Walker]

more importantly, there are about a dozen or so of us that pretty much just use the "New Posts" link up top and probably don't pay much attention to the catagory that you post under and will just respond to the questions or comments.

 

[captaineriv]

It appears that I know just as much about online forums as I do homebrewing

 

[vtfan99]

Check out this thread for discussion of homebrew supply web sites from which to order.

 

[captaineriv]

Thanks. That helps. I was reading the yeast poll and I was seeing a lot about White Labs. I think my homebrew store actually does sell their line of ale yeast. Is this "pitchable" liquid yeast frowned upon among the liquid yeast users or does it do well at offering the same benefits over dry yeast that conventional liquid yeast does?

 

[bikebryan]

Thanks. That helps. I was reading the yeast poll and I was seeing a lot about White Labs. I think my homebrew store actually does sell their line of ale yeast. Is this "pitchable" liquid yeast frowned upon among the liquid yeast users or does it do well at offering the same benefits over dry yeast that conventional liquid yeast does?

White Labs IS a conventional liquid yeast, just as Wyeast is. I don't know of any liquid yeast that wouldn't be considered "conventional" liquid yeast, actually.

Most folks here will tell you that neither White Labs nor Wyeast XL 150 smack-packs are considered pitchable as is (ie, they are not ready to pitch from the package). I've never made a starter when using Wyeast activator packs, but my lag times do run a bit longer than those that report back that they did use the Wyeast with a starter.

 

[ScottT]

Most consiter the liquid yeast to be pure strains and the dry yeast to contain mixed strains of yeast.

I've only ever used white labs yeast and I do a starter every time. My lag times are less than 6 hours and my primary firmentations get done quick. I also reuse yeast from one batch to the next by saving some of the trub from my primary and secondary in steralized bottles.

Give it a try, you'll be pleased.

 

[captaineriv]

So even though White Labs' website mentions that "Each vial of White Labs liquid yeast is designed to be used directly in 5 gallons, or 'pitchable'.", making a starter is still advised? Can anyone send me a link that describes the process of making the starter?

captaineriv

 

[El Pistolero]

here's one

 

[captaineriv]

Awesome. I was wondering what those half-gallon glass jugs that my homebrew store sells were for. Now I know. I believe they only cost about $3 too. Definitely sounds like a worthwile investment.

captaineriv

 

[ScottT]

This is the method I use and a real good way to get it done:

http://hbd.org/uchima/yeaststart/yeaststart.html

 

[captaineriv]

Pretty cool. Instantly transferring a boiling hot glass vessel to an ice bath won't cause the glass to break? Or is the mentioned flask made for that kind of shock?

captaineriv

 

[ScottT]

You got it. Pyrex Flask is what you want for that method.