Saving $$ on yeast

[madhusudan]

Curious if anyone pours fresh juice onto the lees to save a bit o' cash on yeast.

It's something I'm considering to maximize my output, as I'd like to have cider constantly fermenting and then do the main aging in bottles. I only have a few carboys.

I do understand yeast should only be reused a couple times. from what I've read.

So, anyone as cheap as me?

 

[ACbrewer]

lot of people do similar. For a skeeter pee (Skeeterpee -) that is the recomended method for making it, although it is only a 1 reuse.

The only problem with just dumping on the juice on old yeast is that over time, you get more and more yeast and eventually they begin to dominate the flavor. You end up witha 'starter' instead of a cider. I'm not sure where the proper pitch rate or reuse for ciders, or how much should be reused, maybe a cup of the yeast and throw out the rest? Something to think about.

 

[Bugeaud]

Well, you could steal bread yeast easily from a small supermarket, but I doubt many people (including myself) would stoop to that level.

 

[UpstateMike]

What kind of yeast are you trying to recycle? I can get most dry yeasts for under 50 cents a pack at my LHBS, so it isn't really worth it to me. But if it was a more expensive liquid yeast, I might see if I could get another run out of it.

 

[madhusudan]

Yep, Mike, it's liquid. I figure if I spend the extra dough on Wyeast smack packs, I ought to get more than one use out of 'em.

 

[BBL_Brewer]

Buy one smack pack, grow up as much yeast as you need and freeze it.

 

[madhusudan]

Buy one smack pack, grow up as much yeast as you need and freeze it.

This sounds good. Can you describe the process, or link to it, of growing yeast?

Thanks

 

[BBL_Brewer]

There's a link in my signature.

 

[madhusudan]

Right in front of my eyes and I missed it.

Just read through most of the thread. Very good info. Thanks!