Yeast Starter

Arkador · Mar 19, 2010

a: I put my yeast vial im my pocket 30-60min before i start making my starter.
b: You want headspace, a starter will create a large foamy head when you swirl it vigerously
c: sanitize well!

I make mine in a pot, pour through a sanitized strainer then cover with sanitized foil.

JimFowler · Mar 20, 2010

How long will this typically take? I've got a bit of foam, but nothing too substantial ..... It's probably been about 16 hours now. Just not sure what I'm looking for. I ended up with a wide bodied jar, so the foam might seem less significant than if it were it a more narrow container. Tried my best to make sure everything was fully sanitized: jar, neck/mouth of jar, aluminum foil, etc.

What's the signal this is viable? If it's not (and/or I screwed it up) I need to order more yeast.

msa8967 · Mar 20, 2010

from what you describe the yeast starter is doing just fine. You may not get a large amount of foam build up. Are you strring this every few hours?

JimFowler · Mar 20, 2010

Good deal - shaking it a bit every 2-3 hours as previously instructed.

I'm pretty excited about this next batch. IPAs are my favorite and this will be my first one. Eventually want to do one from scratch (all grain, etc.), but I've got a LOOOOOOOOONG way to go as is obvious with my stupid questions.

I'm just going to keep trying with these kits and getting comfortable with the process (and save money for more equipment) and see what happens.

JimFowler · Mar 22, 2010

Thanks for the help, guys. I brewed last night and pitched that yeast starter you all advised me on. There was activity this morning and when I got home a little while ago, it's bubbling away.