Yeast Cake?

[Chris_Dog]

I was listening to Jamil and he was talking about making a common wheat beer with the kolsch yeast prior to making the kolsch.
I think some of you have mentioned this process as well.

1. Was he suggesting making beer with the yeast cake from the prior batch?
2. Is it as simple as it sounds or is there additional steps required?
3. Is the purpose of this to make an enormous "starter" (so to speak)?

Cheers!!!

 

[DeathBrewer]

1. Yep
2. Yep
3. Yep

 

[Chris_Dog]

That sounds like a really good way to start getting more than 1 use from the yeast.
Thanks DeathBrewer!

 

[Iordz]

I brew "smaller" versions of certain beers when I want to build up a huge yeast cake for a big beer. For example I brew a dry stout and use the cake for an imperial stout, or a pale ale for an imperial IPA. It’s an easy way to build up the yeast and get a good fermentation.

 

[Chris_Dog]

I didn't even think of it until just now this is the cake from the primary correct?

 

[Iordz]

Yes. You can take from the secondary but the yeast count will be low and the yeast might not be very viable.

 

[hopshead]

Jamil also recommends that if you are putting wort on top of an existing yeast cake that you should make sure the yeast cake fermented a beer that was a lower starting gravity than what you are making. For instance you should not use a cake from a beer with a OG of 1.065 if you are making a delicate apa with an OG of 1.050. He says the yeast are too stressed out. Jamil also cautions that pitching on an old cake can lead to an infected beer, your mileage may vary.

 

[Saint Arnould]

SLIGHTLY , but if I am topping off with purified water after a partial boil, can I stir to aerate, after I have dumped on the yeast cake? Or is that a problem....

 

[Alamo_Beer]

Nope, not a problem...

But relalisticly with that much yeast you dont really have to worry about aertion

 

[DeathBrewer]

yeah, just dump it on top...no need for aeration.

the reason you aerate is to get oxygen to the yeast so they can multiply. there's enough yeast already in that there cake

 

[Jaybird]

use a blow off tube and not an airlock. I have made this mistake.. NEVER AGAIN. Your fermintation will be very viggerious.
JJ