Yeast Starter Affect On Ferment Time

[Jmiltime]

I have been pitching yeast without a starter for past 20+ batches and have had no porblems. I just starter reusing yeast and need to make a yeast starter before pitching. My question is, what, if any, affect does making a yeast starter have on fermentation time? I have noticed lag time is shortened and active 'bubbling' starts within a couple hours, but will the higher yeast count and the fact that the yeast are already working make a significant difference in the amount of time to attenuate the wort and finish?

Thanks

 

[TipsyDragon]

a starter will give you enough yeast to properly ferment the batch and will shorten the lag time. the shorter lag time will technically shorten the fermentation time because you don't have to wait for fermentation to start.

 

[Jmiltime]

So we're talking hours shorter ony due to lag time. I was hoping it might be much more efficient during fermentation and shave a day or two off the whole process. I usually keep in primary for 14 days then rack directly to keg for another 14 days. Then carb/chill/drink. Wish I could shave a few days off the process.

 

[ibbones]

I usually have an active fermentation in less than 8-10 hours after pitching just a 700ml starter.

 

[TipsyDragon]

you should keep the beer in the fermenter a minimum of 14 days no matter if you use a starter or not. the point of a starter is to shorten lag time and provide enough yeast so they don't have to do the double duty of multiplying and fermenting.

 

[bknifefight]

I assumed when I started making starters that the fermentation would really speed up. It is not the case. It does, however, give you enough yeast to ferment properly and minimize stress on the yeast which can lead to off flavors.

 

[david_42]

No, unless you make a huge starter the final amount of yeast post-lag will be the same as if you didn't make a starter. Cell count is limited by the oxygen available.

Therefor the fermentation will take about the same time.

 

[Jmiltime]

Perfect, that's what I wanted to know. Thanks everyone for the info.