Homebrewers - Whats in the fermenter?

[BlackDog]

I was just wondering what you guys are brewing, or planning to brew, for the colder autumn and winter months. I've never brewed a heavy gravity beer that needs a long time in secondary, but am thinking of doing something like an imperial stout or porter with the additions of oak, vanilla and bourbon. Midwest has an interesting kit, their Power Packed Porter, wghich I may do with my additions, or something like Denny's Vanilla Bourbon porter.

What will you be brewing for the colder months?

[landhoney]

Originally Posted by BlackDog

What will you be brewing for the colder months?

Doesn't get that cold here, but I still like to brew big beers.....

Barleywine (bourbon barrel aged)
'Dark' Saison (trying to 'perfect' a Saison for each season, a'la Fantome)
Smoked Wee Heavy (a'la Hair of the Dog Adam -also bourbon barrel aged)

[Mikey202]

Just bought a brew kit. Got a Dark and Stormy Night Stout. I'm on vacation next week, so that's what I'm going to do one of the days.
I have one question.... the yeast packet I have is a pack, that you bust a bubble inside. I'm used to using yeast in a tube (White Labs). This packet that I have, says that I have to make a starter, ect. Seems like alot of extra work. Can I just activate the yeast pack and then just add it to the wort when the time comes to add the yeast, or do I have to make a starter first?

[landhoney]

Originally Posted by Mikey202

Just bought a brew kit. Got a Dark and Stormy Night Stout. I'm on vacation next week, so that's what I'm going to do one of the days.
I have one question.... the yeast packet I have is a pack, that you bust a bubble inside. I'm used to using yeast in a tube (White Labs). This packet that I have, says that I have to make a starter, ect. Seems like alot of extra work. Can I just activate the yeast pack and then just add it to the wort when the time comes to add the yeast, or do I have to make a starter first?

It depends on the original gravity of the beer (what is yours?), and how fresh the yeast is really. But the short answer is that yes you can just smack it and pitch it into the wort. If the gravity of the beer is high, or the yeast is not that fresh making a starter is a good idea. Also, once you make a starter or two it's easy, I make one for just about every batch. Pitching the right amount of yeast will make your beer better, sometimes a 'smack pack' is enough, but other times not (like in high gravity beers or when the yeast is not fresh)

And actually there are two types of Wyeast packs; Activators and Propagators, which do you have? If it's a Propagator Pack then you really should make a starter, they are designed with a lower active cell count to make a starter with, the Activators are designed to be pitched into lower gravity beers without a starter (but should use a starter in the above instances).

[Mikey202]

Originally Posted by landhoney

It depends on the original gravity of the beer (what is yours?), and how fresh the yeast is really. But the short answer is that yes you can just smack it and pitch it into the wort. If the gravity of the beer is high, or the yeast is not that fresh making a starter is a good idea. Also, once you make a starter or two it's easy, I make one for just about every batch. Pitching the right amount of yeast will make your beer better, sometimes a 'smack pack' is enough, but other times not (like in high gravity beers or when the yeast is not fresh)

And actually there are two types of Wyeast packs; Activators and Propagators, which do you have? If it's a Propagator Pack then you really should make a starter, they are designed with a lower active cell count to make a starter with, the Activators are designed to be pitched into lower gravity beers without a starter (but should use a starter in the above instances).

It's a Wyeast Lab Propagator. Do I just use some of the malt extract for the starter?

[landhoney]

Originally Posted by Mikey202

It's a Wyeast Lab Propagator. Do I just use some of the malt extract for the starter?

Yep, around 1/2 a cup dry malt extract in two cups of water should do it. Just do a search online for any and all instructions you may need, but you're basically just making a tiny little batch of un-hopped beer for the yeast to grow in. Good luck.

[Mikey202]

Originally Posted by landhoney

Yep, around 1/2 a cup dry malt extract in two cups of water should do it. Just do a search online for any and all instructions you may need, but you're basically just making a tiny little batch of un-hopped beer for the yeast to grow in. Good luck.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by landhoney

Yep, around 1/2 a cup dry malt extract in two cups of water should do it. Just do a search online for any and all instructions you may need, but you're basically just making a tiny little batch of un-hopped beer for the yeast to grow in. Good luck.

A 1 pint starter is nowhere near enough to grow up enough yeast from a Propagator. That would barely be enough to grow up to the point of the Activator, and that's assuming optimal oxygenation. I would probably be doing closer to a 2 liter starter, and I use a stirplate.

Anyone using liquid yeast cultures should really read up on starters and pitching rates. There's a great article here: http://www.mrmalty.com/pitching.php