Reusing Yeast/Stepping Up

[Stevorino]

Hey all--

I just finished listening the Scottish 60 Jamil Show and I realized that I really need to start reusing yeast. I've done some more research and realize that I have to step up the yeast every time I reuse it to a higher gravity.

With that being said, does anyone know of a site that lists out popular tracks you can take a single yeast strain through? (Ex: Scottish 60, Cream Ale, Am. Pale Ale, IPA) Any personal favorites?

I've heard Jamil talk about it a few times-- anyone know how he goes about planning it?

[oneal66]

You don't necessarily have to step up your gravity from batch to batch, but you don't want to go down. As far as planning your progression, just pick out some styles that you want to brew and go from there. I've gone blonde ale > brown ale > barleywine, or Hefe to weizenbock.

What you really need to watch out for is contamination and overpitching. Go to JZ's website http://www.mrmalty.com and check out the pitching calculator. You'll see the volume of slurry that you need to repitch (Don't do the entire cake as that will usually be overpitching). Also when you are measuring out the slurry to repitch be sure to be as sanitary as possible. Repitching can give you cheap and fresh yeast, but you have to be careful and do it properly.