40 replies to this topic

[HVB]

Meh, I have never had a problem with tranfering new wort on top of a yeast cake.  I've done it three times in a row and it has been fantastic every time.  I always start with the lightest tasting beer and get darker and more assertive each time though so that probably helps.  Talk about very quick, explosive fermentations though.. 

 Sure it will work but you are overpitching and that can lead to other problems.  Good things happen in that lag time.

[Bklmt2000]

 Sure it will work but you are overpitching and that can lead to other problems.  Good things happen in that lag time.

 

Agreed.  Better to harvest the yeast, pitch a smaller amount for the next beer, (saving the rest of the yeast cake if desired) and using a freshly-sanitized primary.

[neddles]

 Sure it will work but you are overpitching and that can lead to other problems.  Good things happen in that lag time.

 

 

Agreed.  Better to harvest the yeast, pitch a smaller amount for the next beer, (saving the rest of the yeast cake if desired) and using a freshly-sanitized primary.

These.

[Stains_not_here_man]

So, I harvested about a half pint of yeast, about two weeks ago. It's in the fridge since then.

Pitch as is, or make a starter?

[Big Nake]

If it's 2 weeks, I would probably pitch as is. Another question is... how long was it in the primary the last time after it had stopped fermenting and before you harvested. If I were to leave the prior primary going for 4 weeks and then harvested and it sat in the fridge for another 2 weeks, that's probably a month of downtime so a starter may be in order.

[HVB]

What kind of beer are you pitching into and what gravity?

[Stains_not_here_man]

It was in primary for 2 weeks then went into the keg. I still haven't used it

It will be going into a red ale, around 1.060 gravity

[Bklmt2000]

It was in primary for 2 weeks then went into the keg. I still haven't used it

It will be going into a red ale, around 1.060 gravity

 

I'd pitch about half of the harvested yeast and save the rest for another batch.

[Stains_not_here_man]

I'd pitch about half of the harvested yeast and save the rest for another batch.

I was planning on pitching it all, and then harvest again from the new batch. Any reason not to?

[HVB]

I was planning on pitching it all, and then harvest again from the new batch. Any reason not to?

Half a pint of slurry? I would pitch it all, maybe a bit of an overpitch but I hate splitting Mason jars of slurry...

[Bklmt2000]

I was planning on pitching it all, and then harvest again from the new batch. Any reason not to?

 

Let me ask: is the yeast you harvested a solid 1-pint cake of yeast, or a smaller yeast cake covered in a pint of liquid?

[HVB]

Let me ask: is the yeast you harvested a solid 1-pint cake of yeast, or a smaller yeast cake covered in a pint of liquid?

He indicated half pint but the rest of your question still could use an answer.

[Bklmt2000]

If we're talking a half pint of total volume, and say, 1/8 pint of pure yeast cake covered by supernatant, then I'd agree with pitching the entire cake.

 

And if this is the case, I'd suggest decanting most the supernatant (the liquid on the yeast cake), and then gently swirling to make sure none of the yeast get left behind, before pitching.

[Stains_not_here_man]

It's almost all yeast.

[Bklmt2000]

It's almost all yeast.

 

I'd still recommend using only a portion of the harvested yeast and saving the rest. 

[positiveContact]

I'd still recommend using only a portion of the harvested yeast and saving the rest. 

 

I'd say if it's all yeast he'd want to use even less.

[Bklmt2000]

I'd say if it's all yeast he'd want to use even less.

 

Agreed; maybe something in the 1/4-1/3 cup range tops.

[Stains_not_here_man]

Sounds good. Either going to brew tonight or tomorrow.

[Stains_not_here_man]

Harvested the yeast around April 14, still haven't used it and it's been sitting in the fridge at 39F. Do I dare?

Edited by the_stain, 07 May 2017 - 05:22 PM.

[MyaCullen]

Harvested the yeast around April 14, still haven't used it and it's been sitting in the fridge at 39F. Do I dare?

wouldn't hesitate