Starting timing

[Abrayton]

Being relatively new to homebrewing, I have a question about yeast starter and decanting timing. I have read several of the posts on this site and others but am not sure I found an answer for my situation.

I have made two yeast starters in the past and pitched full 2L starters. I want to try to decant for my next beer. I think I understand that whole process, but my time frame is where I have questions.

I want to brew Saturday evening. I won't be able to get the 2L starter going until late Thursday afternoon. I don't have a stir plate, I cover with tin foil and swirl as often as I can. With this time frame, will I have time to cold crash and decant for a Saturday evening brew?

Thanks for any input!

 

[jpakstis]

I've only made starters with a stir plate, but even with that method, I don't think you'd have enough time to build up the starter, cold crash, and adequately decant. I think you'd have enough time to build up the starter and then just add the whole thing to the wort. If I'm going to brew on a Saturday, I make the starter on Tuesday and then cold crash on either Thursday night or Friday morning. I've found that at least 24 hours of cold crashing lets the yeast settle.

 

[fimpster]

With such a short time frame, you may want to try the Vitality Starter method described in that article. You won't decant, but works well on short notice.

 

[kombat]

I'd prep it Thursday afternoon, swirl it as often as possible until Saturday afternoon, then stick it in the fridge, brew your beer, then decant and pitch it early Sunday afternoon.

 

[Abrayton]

Thanks for the feedback and info. I'm still in the doghouse from a previous Mother's Day so I probably better skip Sunday as a brew day option! Maybe I'll try the vitality starter idea.

Another rookie question. The scotch ale I'm going to brew has an OG of 1.084. Is a 2L starter using fast pitch (1.040 OG) and one wyeast smack pack going to be big enough to get the job done?

 

[jpakstis]

I barely understand yeast pitching rates, but I would think you'd be fine.