I'm experimenting with different hops and speciality grains using one liquid malt extract as a base. Grains will be steeped in the kettle (a big pan) before adding the LME. Hops will be added at different times in the boil. I can only brew when time and, more importantly, fermentation space allow.
As some brews may 'fail' I plan to use a shorter brew length of 11 litres. Yeast will be from a small stock of 11g sachets of Safale US-05. As these were quite expensive I wonder if I can get away with half a sachet per brew?? Also could I prepare a full sachet starter and use half now and put half in the fridge for use say 10 days later?? Someone had suggested collecting a yeast cake from the first brew and storing that until needed but I'm a bit concerned that would introduce a third variable.
Any advice most gratefully received.
As an aside is there a reason why yeast comes in expensive sachets rather than larger/cheaper tubs?
John
How much yeast to use?
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Jocky
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Re: How much yeast to use?
I would take a look at a pitching rate calculator to figure out the ideal amount of yeast to use. Getting the right quantity of yeast in the right conditions can have a big effect on turning a good beer into a great one. For 11 litres I would use close to a full packet I think.
For dry yeast you just need to rehydrate it - if you only want to use half a packet then just use it and stick a rubber band around the packet - it'll keep for a couple of weeks fine as long as it doesn't get wet (I do this as I make 8 or even 4 litre batches).
You can buy beer making yeast in larger quantities of you're a commercial craft brewer, but it usually comes in small packets as they're big enough for a single brew, and the sealed packets keep the yeast in its best shape. As soon as you open a packet moisture gets in from the air and potentially starts to spoil the yeast.
For dry yeast you just need to rehydrate it - if you only want to use half a packet then just use it and stick a rubber band around the packet - it'll keep for a couple of weeks fine as long as it doesn't get wet (I do this as I make 8 or even 4 litre batches).
You can buy beer making yeast in larger quantities of you're a commercial craft brewer, but it usually comes in small packets as they're big enough for a single brew, and the sealed packets keep the yeast in its best shape. As soon as you open a packet moisture gets in from the air and potentially starts to spoil the yeast.
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Rookie
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Re: How much yeast to use?
Is there any reason you can't get your hands on some other yeast in smaller packs? Two kinds of Muntons and Coopers come in 6 or 7 gram packs.
A couple of months ago I brewed an ordinary bitter and split the batch between S-04 and Muntons. I preferred the S-04 part of it, but did think the Muntons part came out good, actually a bit better than expected. The next time I make an order I'm going to get a couple of the Muntons Gold to try.
A couple of months ago I brewed an ordinary bitter and split the batch between S-04 and Muntons. I preferred the S-04 part of it, but did think the Muntons part came out good, actually a bit better than expected. The next time I make an order I'm going to get a couple of the Muntons Gold to try.
I'm just here for the beer.