nath812Wyeast Czech Pils lager yeast starter help

6 months ago | Nath (Moderator)

Hi folks,

As some of you know I had a rough brew day last weekend and only managed to get the bitter on even though I started my wyeast lager yeast.

The starter took over a day to get going and even when it did it has been very slow.

My questions are:-

It says to do the starter at 21c but its a lager yeast designed to be used at 12/13c so will this higher temp make the yeast produce any different flavours when I come to use it in the wort?

It has been going for over 5 days now and still seems to be working its "magic" but it has only ever bubbled through the airlock 3-4times a minute (max) is this normal (I made sure to aireate it lots during process)?

As it may be some time until I do the lager can I keep the yeast after the starter has finished in a sterile bottle in the fridge, and if so for how long?

Ta,

Nath

Conditioning/Driking - Tony's Twibute
Fermenting - GW's 49er
Planning - An IPA
Planning - Some type of lager
Planning - A hoppy full bodied ale of sorts!

Read responses...

Responses

  1. Tony
    Tony:

    Posted 6 months ago by Member

    Not big on yeasts nath I'm afraid... but I would think that you can keep the yeast in the 'fridge for at least a couple of weeks .. after that I'm not so sure though.

    Beer will get you through the times of no money better than money will get you through the times of no beer
    (with grateful thanks to the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and slightly adapted)
  2. User has not uploaded an avatar
    Varnish:

    Posted 6 months ago by Member

    The idea of a starter is to grow a large yeast colony, not to make beer.

    Yeast will grow better at 21*C, and with oxygen.
    Do you shake the starter? I would recommend you do.

    I always decant the "beer" from a starter and pitch just the slurry mixed with a bit of fresh wort.
    So I don't care what the beer in the starter tastes like.
    I think, I've spent ages making this recipe. Calculating the IBU and colour, and abv. Why would I want to chuck in 2 litres of some unknown variable into my baby? Which would change the IBV, colour ABV and taste.

    I would say:
    Raise those temps (if you haven't)
    Lose the air lock for a tin foil lid
    Shake the hell out of it to get some O2 into the mix! Multiple times a day if possible.
    Read this: http://www.mrmalty.com/starter_faq.htm

    I'm sure it'll be fine to keep for a while.

  3. nath812
    Nath:

    Posted 6 months ago by Moderator

    Ta guys,

    the temp is at room temp anyway so thats cool, and whenever I shake it I un-airllock and place some foil over (sterilized), but I make sure I get all co2 out before I stary mixing.

    I will swap the airlock over today for some foil.

    Cheers peeps

    Conditioning/Driking - Tony's Twibute
    Fermenting - GW's 49er
    Planning - An IPA
    Planning - Some type of lager
    Planning - A hoppy full bodied ale of sorts!
  4. greg
    greg:

    Posted 6 months ago by Key Master

    Hi Nath, I just make sure I give it a really good shake everytime I walk past mine.

    Planning: IPA of some kind + another bitter + Xmas Beer
    Fermenting: FFF Moondance
    Conditioning: I can't remember (Porter)
    Drinking:Turbo Cider, Ringwood 49Er Clone, Summer Lightning, Elderflower Champagne
  5. Tony
    Tony:

    Posted 6 months ago by Member

    Hey Varnish... great link that, I read all of his other stuff too.. and downloaded a few of the podcasts

    Cheers!

    Beer will get you through the times of no money better than money will get you through the times of no beer
    (with grateful thanks to the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and slightly adapted)
  6. greg
    greg:

    Posted 6 months ago by Key Master

    Mr Malty is a great site. Check out Brewing Network too. Jamil (Mr Malty) is often on there giving advice etc.

    Planning: IPA of some kind + another bitter + Xmas Beer
    Fermenting: FFF Moondance
    Conditioning: I can't remember (Porter)
    Drinking:Turbo Cider, Ringwood 49Er Clone, Summer Lightning, Elderflower Champagne
  7. User has not uploaded an avatar
    Varnish:

    Posted 6 months ago by Member

    Thats a good one too.

    I like http://www.brewersfriend.com/

    True dat. DOUBLE TRUE

  8. Beermonkey
    Neil:

    Posted 6 months ago by Member

    There is also another good website which i sometimes use as well..

    http://www.tastybrew.com

    Has lots of hints and tips plus receipies too..

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