using dry yeast in a starter

[signguy35]

I just ordered a yeast starter kit from NB and i have a extract kit that i would like to try to make a starter for it. i have a dry yeast package that came with it. can i use it in the starter or can i only use Wyeast packs for starters? Thanks.

 

[flars]

You can use dry yeast in a starter if it is properly rehydrated first. When it has been rehydrated, the yeast is the same as the liquid yeast in a smack pack or vial.

http://www.brewwithfermentis.com/tips-tricks/yeast-rehydration/

Check out this calculator to see if a starter is necessary or would be a massive over pitch.
http://www.brewersfriend.com/yeast-pitch-rate-and-starter-calculator/

 

[rhys333]

As noted by Flars, it's certainly possible to make a starter with dry yeast though may result in a lot more yeast than needed for an average gravity beer. Probably a great way for you to test out the new starter kit though!

Typically, a quality packet of dry yeast provides you with the right number of yeast cells to ferment an average 5 gallon batch of beer (when rehydrated as described). Liquid yeast comes with about half the cells you need, or less depending on age, which is why starters are made for the packs.

 

[Zepth]

I've done it with large success so far. One was a 10g batch that needed more than a single pack, the other used dry lager yeast. I've also harvested former dry yeast and made a starter with it. $1 of DME is cheaper than $3 for dry yeast. Why bother? Well why don't you just mail me that $2 you don't care about.

 

[christyle]

You can use dry yeast in a starter if it is properly rehydrated first. When it has been rehydrated, the yeast is the same as the liquid yeast in a smack pack or vial.

http://www.brewwithfermentis.com/tips-tricks/yeast-rehydration/

If I pitch it in at around 90 as it's cooling, do you see a real problem with that? Any limit to how long you could leave it in the water? (an hour or so rather than 30 minutes?)

I recently needed two packs for a sour mash Berliner I'm making, but forgot to buy the second one. I save additional second runnings for starter wort occasionally, and could have made a starter from my US-05 to boost cell count to make up for the acidic environment but decided not to.

So what I'm seeing is the only downside is overpitching? Does it have any different needs than a normal liquid yeast starter?

Additionally, what happens when you overpitch? I've heard the yeast get lazy and don't perform as well?