So in the brew shop and the guy is telling me no need for a starter. I am a whitelabs guy and am used to making one all the time. Was this guy right I don't need a starter.
smackpacks
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rgauthier20420
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Depending on the OG of what your making you could "get away" w/o a starter with a smack pack. But, it's always best to make one. If you've got the ability to, you might as well make the best beer you can right?
The Wyeast smackpack is, from my experience, no better/different from a Whitelabs vial. I make starters with Wyeast the same way I would a vial; better to be safe than sorry.
No. There is about the same amount of viable yeast in a Wyeast package as in a White Labs vial. The "smackpack" is just to check viability, it doesn't replace a starter.
In any beer with an OG of over about 1.040, a starter would be a great idea. Consult a yeast pitching calculator (like yeastcalc.com or mrmalty.com) to get the proper amount of yeast to pitch and the recommended starter size.
In any beer with an OG of over about 1.040, a starter would be a great idea. Consult a yeast pitching calculator (like yeastcalc.com or mrmalty.com) to get the proper amount of yeast to pitch and the recommended starter size.
Yes and no. If one is brewing a beer of 1.030 with pretty fresh yeast than possibly no. Also if it is a small batch size. If one is brewing a beer of greater than 1.030, older yeast and regular batch size than a starter is always recommended. Personally I think any liquid yeast should be started to not only ensure proper pitch rate but more importantly viability.
I do find that newer brewers are somewhat intimidated with the whole starter thing and those in the LHBS business don't want to make things complicated or scare off those looking to get into the hobby so it's one less thing to dissuade someone from the process. (Although I would think it's more equipment they can sell which would be a plus)
Edit: Wow, you all type fast!
I do find that newer brewers are somewhat intimidated with the whole starter thing and those in the LHBS business don't want to make things complicated or scare off those looking to get into the hobby so it's one less thing to dissuade someone from the process. (Although I would think it's more equipment they can sell which would be a plus)
Edit: Wow, you all type fast!
