That's such a nice comment! I put a lot of time in my projects and making a video of it adds more time. I really like the fact some people really appreciate my work - both the project as well as the video. Very nice to hear, so thank you! Greetings from the Netherlands! Tony
I make 1 gal batches, is there a way I can avoid wasting the excess yeast or make it more economical? It doesn't seem like using a portion and saving the rest in the open pack is possible, but maybe I could re-use the yeast cake or something?
Hi Kimberly, you can definitely harvest the yeast cake. It is good practice to wash it with sterilized (boiled and cooled down) water, then let it settle, decant and repeat that once more, before using it the next time instead of dumping the fresh wort on top of it. Also don't forget to sanitize everything that comes into contact with the yeast to prevent infections. You don't want to start fermentation with infected yeast... Reusing provides you with a lot of active yeast cells so it can be very benificial and save you some money as well. Good luck and cheers, Tony
Hi Rspaulding, from what I understand the smack pack has enough nutrient for kick starting the yeast in the pack, but not enough to efficiently multiply the amount of yeast a couple of times to ferment a large batch of higher gravity wort. Whenever I create a large starter I add nutrient and malt extract in order to put the yeast in the most ideal situation (with the limited gear I own 😉) and this has worked for me quite a few times already. Hope this helps! Cheers and Happy Brewing! Tony
Nice work - high production value, loaded with tactical guidance, extra tips, without fluff
That's such a nice comment! I put a lot of time in my projects and making a video of it adds more time. I really like the fact some people really appreciate my work - both the project as well as the video. Very nice to hear, so thank you! Greetings from the Netherlands! Tony
I make 1 gal batches, is there a way I can avoid wasting the excess yeast or make it more economical? It doesn't seem like using a portion and saving the rest in the open pack is possible, but maybe I could re-use the yeast cake or something?
Hi Kimberly, you can definitely harvest the yeast cake. It is good practice to wash it with sterilized (boiled and cooled down) water, then let it settle, decant and repeat that once more, before using it the next time instead of dumping the fresh wort on top of it. Also don't forget to sanitize everything that comes into contact with the yeast to prevent infections. You don't want to start fermentation with infected yeast... Reusing provides you with a lot of active yeast cells so it can be very benificial and save you some money as well. Good luck and cheers, Tony
Why did you add nutrient to the water when the smack pack has nutrient already?
Hi Rspaulding, from what I understand the smack pack has enough nutrient for kick starting the yeast in the pack, but not enough to efficiently multiply the amount of yeast a couple of times to ferment a large batch of higher gravity wort. Whenever I create a large starter I add nutrient and malt extract in order to put the yeast in the most ideal situation (with the limited gear I own 😉) and this has worked for me quite a few times already. Hope this helps! Cheers and Happy Brewing! Tony
Nice shirt!!!
Thanks! More info on the shirts that I wear will follow soon...