Yeast Starter by default?

[Indiana Red]

Besides the big beers that traditionally are associated with this method, do some of you make starters everytime regardless of what you are making? I realize they are more effective, but it is just a effort vs benefit analysis I am looking at.

 

[El Pistolero]

I almost always make starters, but once I didn't just because I was in a hurry and wanted to keep it simple, and I may do it again on occasion.

 

[budbo]

I always make one, Gets the fermentation going much faster.. make sure the yeasties will out reproduce any nasties

 

[cweston]

I always make one, Gets the fermentation going much faster.. make sure the yeasties will out reproduce any nasties

Exactly. If you're at al prone toward worrying, starters (and a homebrew) are just what the Dr. ordered. Go to bed on brew night, and when you get up in the morning, the fermentation is rocking.

 

[Beer Snob]

When I first started brewing I never actually made a starter.... did not know of them either. I started making them when I starated back up some months ago simply from what people said here. I dont think I have enough experience with them to actually say I will always use them, but I have to say it extends the fun a bit

 

[Kaiser]

I reuse yeast, so I need to make starters to refresh the yeast and check it's viability. Oftentimes I'm actually trying to propagate lot's of yeast in case I have little left or just bought a fresh smack-pack. Then my "starters" may take up to a week and I need to feed them on a regular basis.

Kai

 

[Ivan Lendl]

i always use them...the main benefit for me is that it cuts the lag time down to 0-5 hrs. and in my opinion you cant beat that!

the key is to make one big enough; white labs pitchable vials say right on them that they are equivelant to a 1-2 pint starter, so i dont see any benefit to making a starter that is at least double that, you dont just want to wake the yeast up, you want to increase the amount, so i do 2-4 qts. (that being said even just waking them up with a 1 qt. starter is better than nothing...)

 

[homebrewer_99]

I don't brew unless my starter is good.