Next weekend I'm planning to brew a batch and use liquid yeast for the first time. It is a heavy (1.100 OG) beer so I am going to make a starter today or tomorrow, then after 36 hours I'll cold crash it until I brew on Saturday.
I'll be using a sterilized container and foil to store the starter, but I'm a little worried about contamination from it sitting around until brew day. Should I be ok with the alum. foil loose on the container (to let oxygen in) and just remove and pour it in the wort, or should I try to sterilize the outside of the container again before I pour it out?
There is also the issue that I'll be decanting when I remove the starter from the fridge and then letting it sit out for several hours to warm up. I figured if nothing else I'd use a freshly sterilized piece of foil.
Also, I'm planning on using a stir plate, if I can get it built tonight. Will I be able to tell if the yeast are active when using a stir plate?
Any suggestions?
I'll be using a sterilized container and foil to store the starter, but I'm a little worried about contamination from it sitting around until brew day. Should I be ok with the alum. foil loose on the container (to let oxygen in) and just remove and pour it in the wort, or should I try to sterilize the outside of the container again before I pour it out?
There is also the issue that I'll be decanting when I remove the starter from the fridge and then letting it sit out for several hours to warm up. I figured if nothing else I'd use a freshly sterilized piece of foil.
Also, I'm planning on using a stir plate, if I can get it built tonight. Will I be able to tell if the yeast are active when using a stir plate?
Any suggestions?