Washing yeast

[Cwetherford]

Can someone elaborate for me? I am almost. 2 weeks fermenting into my first brew and I keep reading about washing yeast so tell me whats that all about lol

 

[kapbrew13]

Can someone elaborate for me? I am almost. 2 weeks fermenting into my first brew and I keep reading about washing yeast so tell me whats that all about lol

How much did you pay for your yeast? Yeast washing allows you to not have to pay each time for a vial of yeast. Also if you have a special yeast, you can re-use it instead of trying to acquire it again. Is that what your trying to ask?

 

[Cwetherford]

I just didn't know what it was I have only done this brewers best kit and the whole kit was like 50 bucks and the yeast came with it so idk

 

[kapbrew13]

I just didn't know what it was I have only done this brewers best kit and the whole kit was like 50 bucks and the yeast came with it so idk

When you get more into it, you might start using liquid yeast, which can cost anywhere from $6-$8 a vial. If you can avoid paying for yeast each time you can bring your cost down. Dry yeast is cheaper, so most people don't was dry yeast. Good luck..

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

I wash dry yeast just because IMO it is cool as crap to do it..it is also easy as pie. There is a pictoral thread on here somewhere on how to do it. follow that and you will be good to go. I have a fridge full of notty...s-04...s-05.. and belgium ale yeast.

 

[RM-MN]

When you use your packet of dry yeast, you will have enough yeast (maybe) for that batch. If you wash the yeast, you will have many, many more yeast cells to start your ferment and the ferment will start faster (most times) and will be a more vigorous ferment since you have so many yeast cells. Add to that the cost of the liquid yeast and the "coolness factor" and you can't go wrong. Also, since your washed yeast has a somewhat limited lifetime, it gives you more incentive to start your next batch.

 

[bechard]

I'm doing my fifth brew right now, but first time using washed yeast. I was paying $8 for each pack of Wyeast. Made my starter 48 hours ago, 2 cups boiled cooled water with 1 cup DME and it was krausened in 6 hours. Going to shake it and pitch it all in to this new Pale Ale. Saved myself $8 this batch, and I have 3 more jars of washed yeast from the last brew still.

 

[iron_city_ap]

If you are using liquid yeast, I think washing is well worth it. If you are using dry yeast, you can still do it, but at @ $1 a packet you aren't saving all that much, but it is still kinda fun.

 

[dcp27]

theres also a number of liquid strains that are only limited release, so washing provides a much better alternative to waiting another year for it to come back out