mixing yeasts for a hefe, or decrease batch size?

[mikeysab]

I'm brewing a hefe today and didn't get a chance to make a starter out of my vile of wlp 300. I was planning on doing a 6 gallon batch at 1.050, but I'd need 2 vials, or a 2.25 liter starter. Should I just pitch the vile and let it be, or should I mix it with a pack of dry yeast? I have a packet of Notty, and a packet of US 05.....and a smack pack of 3787 Trappist. Should I mix, or should I shoot for a lower gravity and make a 5 gallon instead of 6? Thanks for any help you guys can offer.

 

[archiefl98]

As I understand it, hefeweizen's derive a lot of their flavors (banana, clove, spiciness, etc) from the esters produced by the yeast as it's stressed. I always figured under-pitching a hefe was a good thing. As long as the vial is brand spanking new, I'd say pitch it and swirl.

Of course anyone else may tell you otherwise, and you'd probably be better off listening to them.

FWIW my last hefe I made a 1L starter of wyeast 3068, pitched 500mL of it and kept the rest to grow for culturing. Hefe came out GREAT with a nice banana and clove hint.

 

[ghpeel]

My single experience for a normal hefe without a starter from wlp300 came out great.

 

[hairy]

I don't think the the banana flavour and other esters are caused by stress. I think it is more likely due to the temperature of fermentation and the yeast strain itself.

Underpitching is always a bad idea but for ales (wheat beer is technically considered an ale), the effect isn't as bad as lagers since the warm temperature will hasten things up. But the warm temperature also hasten bacteria action up, so sanitation is once again a key factor.

 

[mikeysab]

well I didn't even get to brew this weekend, so I'm looking at this coming weekend to get it done. I might do a one step starter and keep the fermentor in water to keep it cool to try and chill out some of that banana flavor. I don't really like most german hefs, and this batch is pretty much for my neighbor. Since he calls my brews monkey pi$$, and drinks heineken and franziskaner(but calls it frankenstein), I figure I'd try and change his mind with some homebrew. Maybe hell actually TRY this one before naming it