WLP051 California V Starter Question

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StrangeBrew
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WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by StrangeBrew » Wed Oct 30, 2013 12:18 am

I'm relatively new to liquid yeast/starters etc and need the advice of someone more experienced.

Just removed a 1 litre WLP051 starter from the stir plate and I'm not sure if the yeast looks quite right to me.
Instead of a creamy consistency settling on the bottom of the flask, it looks more granulated.
In fact, for want of a better description, when swirled back into suspension it looks a bit like one of those snowy Christmas domes. :?

Is this normal?

Cheers...
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Cpt.Frederickson
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Re: WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by Cpt.Frederickson » Wed Oct 30, 2013 8:28 am

I'm using this yeast at the moment so I'll chip in my tuppence. It is quite a floculent strain, so seems to clump quite a bit. I seem to remember it being a sticky lumpy bastard when I took it off the stirplate, but I wouldn't say granulated. That gives me think of sand...or sugar...
Have you got any pics? Shouldn't think its anything to worry about anyways. After a good swirl it should all come back together, albeit with some sludge at the bottom. I wonder...trub and break material maybe?
The Hand of Doom Brewery and Meadery
Fermenting -
Conditioning - Meads - Raspberry Melomel yeast test, Vanilla Cinnamon Metheglyn, Orange Melomel.
Drinking - Youngs AAA Kit; Leatherwood Traditional Mead, Cyser, Ginger Metheglyn.
Planning - Some kits until I can get back to AG, then a hoppy porter, Jim's ESB, some American Red.
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Morten

Re: WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by Morten » Wed Oct 30, 2013 8:55 am

In short, you're allright

Yeast acts differently from strain to strain, some are more flocculent than others and some looks grainy, some are pale beige some are dark brown - its all good :)
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Mr. Dripping

Re: WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by Mr. Dripping » Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:45 am

Get a good smell of the starter.
Can you detect anything unpleasant??
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orlando
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Re: WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by orlando » Wed Oct 30, 2013 10:14 am

I've had this a couple of times and experienced the same WTF moment, as morten says you're alright.
I am "The Little Red Brooster"

Fermenting:
Conditioning:
Drinking: Southwold Again,

Up Next: John Barleycorn (Barley Wine)
Planning: Winter drinking Beer
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Cpt.Frederickson
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Re: WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by Cpt.Frederickson » Wed Oct 30, 2013 11:20 am

Also, this is renowned for being stinky. Sulphur tones all the way!
The Hand of Doom Brewery and Meadery
Fermenting -
Conditioning - Meads - Raspberry Melomel yeast test, Vanilla Cinnamon Metheglyn, Orange Melomel.
Drinking - Youngs AAA Kit; Leatherwood Traditional Mead, Cyser, Ginger Metheglyn.
Planning - Some kits until I can get back to AG, then a hoppy porter, Jim's ESB, some American Red.
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StrangeBrew
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Re: WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by StrangeBrew » Wed Oct 30, 2013 11:23 am

Phew!

I knew I could count on all your knowledge.
Don't know what I would of done without you.

Thank you all!
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orlando
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Location: North Norfolk: Nearest breweries All Day Brewery, Salle. Panther, Reepham. Yetman's, Holt

Re: WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by orlando » Wed Oct 30, 2013 11:42 am

StrangeBrew wrote:Phew!

I knew I could count on all your knowledge.
Don't know what I would of done without you.

Thank you all!
Pooped yourself until it turned our alright and then post the next time someone asks the same question that it will be alright :D
I am "The Little Red Brooster"

Fermenting:
Conditioning:
Drinking: Southwold Again,

Up Next: John Barleycorn (Barley Wine)
Planning: Winter drinking Beer
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beerade

Re: WLP051 California V Starter Question

Post by beerade » Wed Oct 30, 2013 5:05 pm

I've used WLP051 in 10 of my last 16 brews, from 2 different vials on anything from IPA's to Porters. I had the granulations on a couple of occasions and thought WTF!! I put it down to either my yeast recovery process or a characteristic of WLP051.

If it smells OK, it will be fine. I've never had a single failure with this yeast.

But, It does like a good rousing/stir to ensure it gets going. Also don't expect a full krausen with yeast flowing everywhere, because it won't happen. More often than not, you'll just get a thin slimy skin on top. Yes it can get a bit sulphery for a day or so in the FV, but this subsides and doesn't transfer to the beer.

Overall a versatile yeast which packs down really well in the bottle and produces good beer.....so you'll be fine.

Cheers Ade
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