Tried harvesting yeast today

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mimo777

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I bottled my first all grain batch--uncarbonated it wasn't too bad tasting. Can't wait till its conditioned. I put one gallon into the fermenter and swirled, let stand for 10 minutes then siphoned off 4 quarts. There are 4 quarts of stark white yeast settling in the fridge right now. I would have pitched tonight but I missed my strike temp and didn't really have time to reheat for my mash, so I will try tomorrow.
 
So, the question is, is a quart of yeast in suspension overpitching? I swirled boiled water in the fermenter and let settled and drew off about a gallon, so I have no idea what the population numbers are in each quart, but they do look very white without any sediment.
 
I don't get bogged down with numbers... seriously, I can't count that many yeast! One quart of rather fresh yeast for a 5 gallon batch should serve you well. It might be a dash too little or a dash too high, in either case it's a hobby and it will still prodice a nice beverage all things considering. Can't help with the vegemite question however; tasting it once I would have to ask - what would make you want to try that for.... eeeewwwww
 
www.mrmalty.com has a pitching rate calculator. There is even a tab for repitching from slurry. Put in your OG and date you harvested and it will tell u how many mL to pitch, good luck!
 
I bottled my first all grain batch--uncarbonated it wasn't too bad tasting. Can't wait till its conditioned. I put one gallon into the fermenter and swirled, let stand for 10 minutes then siphoned off 4 quarts. There are 4 quarts of stark white yeast settling in the fridge right now. I would have pitched tonight but I missed my strike temp and didn't really have time to reheat for my mash, so I will try tomorrow.

I would think with four quarts you have a lot of trub yet. Try washing it again taking time to let it settle out. I bet you will begin to see the difference.
 
Pitched one of the quarts of that yeast on the beer I brewed last night. Its busy bubbling away!
 
Good for you! I washed two quarts Sunday and pitched one Monday on a Hefe... kicked nicely. Just something for you to think about. Don't get greedy or carried away; as long as you are sanitary you should get 4-6 great pitches with the same yeast, keep a record. It will save time and $$.... :)
 
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