yeast starter problems?

LuciferSam · Oct 28, 2013

I just made a 2L starter w/ 200grams of dmd using wyeast 1968 London ESB (MFG 09/25/13). I boiled the water mixed the dmd for 10 mins then cooled t0 65-68 degrees. I then noticed the smack pack didn't break inside the yeast. so when i opened it to add to the flask, i just cut the smack pack and added it as well. I also added a teaspoon of yeast nutrients. then let it sit on a stir plate for 18 hours. now I have whats pictured. I did this before and the starter was milky, not all separated like now. did I do something wrong? is this starter ruined?? any and all help is appreciated. thanks

hs0656 · Oct 28, 2013

What was the ambient temperature while on the stir plate? And what was the packaged date on the Wyeast pack?

Sounds like you've done everything right. Cutting the packet shouldn't affect anything. As long as you were very sanitary, the yeast should be fine.

oldmangrimm · Oct 28, 2013

That's what 1968 does for me.

mkeckjr · Oct 28, 2013

What yeast did you use when making starters previously? WY1968/WLP002 is the Fullers strain and is highly flocculant, meaning the yeast drop out leaving a very clear beer. Other strains like WLP001 are less flocculant, and end up leaving a more hazy/milky colored beer. The yeast cake it produces is also "chunkier" in my experience than other strains like WY1318. So I'd bet just this different yeast strain is all that you're seeing, and that the starter is fine.

Also, be aware that fermenting a beer with this yeast at a temperature higher than 64 F leads to some hot/phenolic off-flavors. I would suggest fermenting on the low end of this strain's acceptable temperature levels.

duboman · Oct 28, 2013

Totally normal for 1968, looks like cottage cheese! Makes a great beer!

LuciferSam · Oct 28, 2013

I was very sanitary through the whole process: starsan everything and starsan in a spray bottle. I did all this at room temperature 68/70. The last times I've used white labs 002 and wyeast British ale.
The reason for the 2L starter is to split 1L to save and 1 to make another 2L starter for a zombie dust clone.
Should I put the flask in the fridge, decant swirl/shake mixture into 2 pint jars?