no starter on high gravity beer?

[fretsforlife]

I bought the Russian Imperial Stout kit from Brewer's Best. The O.G. is going to be anywhere between 1.078 - 1.082. I normally always make a starter for a gravity as big as this, but i wasn't able to make one yesterday and this is the only day I have to brew.

I'm replacing the dry yeast (Saf04)with a smack pack (1084 Irish Ale). My question is, have any of you ever made a high gravity beer without a starter, and if so how does it turn out? thanks!

 

[jescholler]

I wouldn't do that. I use this pitching rate calculator
http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html
and make a starter based on that. With a 1.080 beer, you'll need 3 packs without a starter. It's pretty likely that if you don't use a starter and 1 pack, you'll get more esters than you should and the final gravity will be higher than you want.

 

[Brew-boy]

Pitch more yeast even if you have to go with dry yeast.

 

[fretsforlife]

well, you guys have talked me out of brewing today. Instead I'll be making a starter. Thanks so much for your input.