I don't want to scare anyone

[polski]

...but i haven't ever done a yeast starter. Has the shock worn off?

Yes, i've always used the wonderful smack packs and have never had any problems (that i know of). I've brewed about 5 batch and I'm planning on giving the yeast starter a go on my next batch (style tbd). Just curious if anyone has any good tips, resources, etc.

Also, i know it will improve cell count and therefore fermentation, but am i just speeding things up, or will it actually improve the quality?

[Lufah]

http://www.mrmalty.com/

[Camel]

I have only done 1 starter so far. The batch started faster and I see far more yeast and activity then I ever have before. I will let you know how it tastes in a few weeks (just brewed it yesterday).

As far as suggestions, I had a nightmare time with boil overs making the starter. Since Erlenmeyer Flasks are capable of being on direct heat as well as capable of withstanding thermal shock, I decided to make my starter wort directly in the Erlenmeyer Flask. Since the flask has such a narrow spout, even a small amount of foam would cause it to boil over. It was so bad I could not even boil the wort and had to just settle for leaving it on a simmer. I even tried putting a few hop pellets in there hoping the oil from them would break the surface tension enough that fewer bubbles would form.

I am not sure what I am going to do next time, but I probably will not try and boil the wort directly in the Erlenmeyer Flask.

[gfoster]

Get some foam control (B3 sells it). One or two drops in your starter flask and you won't have any boilover problems.

Best $$$ I ever spent.

-- Gary F.

[polski]

maybe a dumb question, but when i'm adding DME should it be consistent with what i plan on using in my beer? or is the amount so small that it doesn't really matter?


Lufah, thanks for the link. i'll spend some quality time with that site today while i should be working...thank you internet.

[Speyedr]

If you do a high gravity beer you should use a high gravity starter, within reason. That said, all of my starters to date have been about 1.040, even for my Dubbel, and it worked just fine. I add 1 cup DME per quart of H2O.
As for boil overs, I use a 2 gallon stock pot to make 2 qt starters. Use a big pot and you can catch it before it boils over. Also, have a spray bottle handle and spray with water if it boils up.

[polski]

so just got done with my first starter ever. a little disappointed though, seems i wasn't holding onto the white labs vial tight enough and yep dropped it right in the flask. nice work. needless to say, i'm headed back to Norther Brewer tomorrow to get another vial and try the whole deal again.

guess that's what it takes, but now what do i do with my day tomorrow since i won't be brewing?

[bub]

but now what do i do with my day tomorrow since i won't be brewing?

Ummm Drink?
You can do a starter on the day you brew Just start it an hour or so before you start brewing... It is better than the smack pack either way.

BUB