Time a yeastcake in primary stays alive

[Miraculix]

Hi folks!

I have just pitched the yeast into my first 4 gallon batch ever (always one or two gallon batches before) and I am already planning my next batch.

I was thinking about making a nice stout when I finished my current one and to reuse the yeastcake from my current batch (SafAle 04).

The question I got now is, how long can I let my beer sit in primary without risking that the yeastcake is dying?

I am not using a secondary and I intend to let that beer sit in primary for at least a month, maybe even longer, depending on the answer I get here.

After how long in primary does it become unrealistic to reuse the yeastcake for the next batch?

Thanks in advance,

Miraculix

 

[cswis86]

I think a month is reasonable. I wouldn't go too much longer than that. You can still reuse yeast older than a month but I would advise building another starter to revitalize the yeast before pitching into another brew.

 

[hottpeper13]

I typically primary for 3 weeks and sometimes repitch,and have never had an issue. Just did a Kolsch Omega 017, 3 week primary , repitch on a Kentucky Common and had that 1/4" foam in 6 hrs. at 59*f

 

[Miraculix]

Thx guys, I will give it a go and just reuse it after a month, if I won't bottle earlier. Will keep you updated on this one!

Edit: 6hrs after pitching the dry safale 04, the fermentation is strong. Good to see!