Growing dried yeast

jceg316 · Jul 22, 2016

People say that a yeast starter is not necessary for dried yeast, but I'm planning a 30 litre lager with a 1.083 OG. One sachet of Saflager s-33 is not gonna be enough and if I buy another then P&P will be more than the actual lager.

Was wondering if I should pitch into a starter to grow the cell count?

MickDundee · Jul 22, 2016

Some eBay or Amazon sellers sell yeasts with low/no P&P.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231178148231

Found this on eBay - it says Saflager S23 or Safale S33, not sure if either of these is the right yeast:

Dutto · Jul 23, 2016

Take a look at this video.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMhFerNTwbQ[/ame]

The guy uses dried yeast to get his starter going.

Here's another video that uses a "smack pack" liquid yeast.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEQBPeHfXD0[/ame]

The guy in the first video uses a stir plate. As the second video shows, it's not absolutely essential but if you get into it here's the video that I used as a guide to make my own ...

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHscyFmIUdU[/ame]

Enjoy! :thumb:

MyQul · Jul 23, 2016

You could make a stove topper 5L batch of beer then harvest the yeast. Use the rest of the pack plus the harvested yeast. Or make a weaker pseudo lager first, fermented at 16C so you only have to use the 1 pack you have, then harvest a load of trub for your stronger true lager . Thats what I would do anyway

jceg316 · Jul 23, 2016

Thanks for your help. I think I'm going to make a lighter lager first with an OG ~1.047 and pitch the yeast into the stronger dopplebock.

I haven't been using a stir plate but will make one when I'm back in London in August. My dad is an electrical engineer and can help out and I have most the parts sitting around his house.

HebridesRob · Jul 23, 2016

Here's the S-23 data sheet
http://www.fermentis.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SFG_S23.pdf

An option you have is hydrate, pitch into well aerated wort at 12-15c, give the yeast a day or so to multiply, then cool to the cooler temperature.

RZH · Jul 23, 2016

As you mention, not recommended to make a starter with dried yeast - it uses up the reserves/nutrients built into the yeast when manufactured. Your best bet would be to use an online calculator to work out your required pitching rate then go from there. I would probably rehydrate at least 2 packets for a beer that big.

MyQul · Jul 23, 2016

RZH said:
As you mention, not recommended to make a starter with dried yeast - it uses up the reserves/nutrients built into the yeast when manufactured. Your best bet would be to use an online calculator to work out your required pitching rate then go from there. I would probably rehydrate at least 2 packets for a beer that big.

If you notice in the OP J-316 is being a tight git* and wants to avoid doing that

(*Definately nothing wrong in being 'frugal' imo)

Growing dried yeast

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