Yeast starter?

[dinks]

How important is it to make a yeast starter? I am getting ready to do my first brew (buying ingredients tomorrow) and want to make sure I do it right the first time. Also anyone have a good link or guide on how to make a starter?

 

[talleymonster]

Well, you'll know ahead of time whether or not your yeast is viable. Plus, you'll have less lag time once you pitch your yeast. I did not use a starter for my first two batches, and I ended up panicking and posting "Help!!! Threads"! LOL.

I would reccomend a starter.
:rockin:

 

[Brewsmith]

If this is your first homebrew, just pick up a packet of dry yeast. It will be much easier than a liquid yeast and won't need a starter. Starters are a good thing, but I would leave out the extra step if you can.

 

[TheJadedDog]

I'm with Brewsmith, use dry yeast for your first few brews, then you can switch to liquid and start making starters.

 

[Bulls Beers]

Do you have to make a yeast starter if you are using liquid yeast?

 

[bradsul]

Do you have to make a yeast starter if you are using liquid yeast?

Technically not, the yeast will grow but your beer will be much better off if you do.

 

[Bulls Beers]

I'm doing my second batch Sunday with liquid. Don't you need a few days to do it?

 

[bradsul]

You can do one in as little as 24 hours, but if you do it 48 hours before your brew day you'll be in really good shape too.

 

[Bulls Beers]

Is there a thread on this. i'm sure there is. I'll check. Thanks Brad..

 

[homebrewer_99]

It's a big waste of valuable time if you don't...

 

[McKBrew]

If you don't make a starter, chances are you'll be fine but will be wondering why it takes up to three days for your beer to start fermenting.

Here's how to make one.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Starter

 

[Bulls Beers]

It seems you have to use DME. I don't have any on hand. Can you use anything else.

Also, Will 24 hours be enough time?

 

[homebrewer_99]

LME also works.

 

[McKBrew]

24 hours will definately increase the amount of yeast, 48 would be better. If you can make it tonight or early tomorrow morning it will still be better than just trying to use the vial or pack of liquid yeast on its own.

 

[Bulls Beers]

I dont have any extra LME or DME. I'll get some in the morning.

 

[Bulls Beers]

Is there a certain DME i need to use? I'm brewing a Kolsch..

 

[DeathBrewer]

you'll want to use primarily pilsner malt extract

 

[homebrewer_99]

Is there a certain DME i need to use? I'm brewing a Kolsch..

Not at all...I use Extra Light DME as my base malt.

 

[Crazytwoknobs]

or find yourself a smack pack.... I use either Safale or a smack pack every time....

Still haven't gotten any bottles to carbonate...

 

[The Pol]

I use XL DME so that no matter what I brew I can use the same DME... I ALWAYA make starters for my liquid yeast... except recently when I did not, and had an 82 hour lag time. MAKE A STARTER. If you are using dry yeast, simply rehydrate in some water and let er rip... dry yeast has a pretty high cell count and is pretty darn effective from the git go.

 

[dinks]

Wow, lots of good info. I was worried that I should of done a starter for my first batch but about 16 hours after putting it into the primary I have bubbles