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Reusing Yeast

Is there a practical limit to the number of times one can repitch a given yeast? A proprietor of a local brew supply says you can expect to get three uses, i.e., the initial pitch from a new pack, then two repitchings. He says after that the strain will have changed to something quite unlike the original. Is this really true? I like to get at least two uses out of a Wyeast pack, esp. since the first repitch with about 1 cup trub from the primary of the first batch really gets the new batch cooking vigorously. I've been following the "three uses" idea, but wonder if it's safe to repitch many more times without adversely affecting the product.

Reply to
msclvr
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I re-used a Wyeast 1052 (1056?) American Ale yeast using large refrigerated subcultures which I fed several days prior to use with Maltose and a crushed in vodka vitamine pill(vitamins are made of dried yeast)

As long as I feed the subcultures and dont get roofing tar for beer I presume I could go on and on

Yodar

Reply to
strainster

I'm still on my first yeast culture that I picked up from White Labs; I usually keep two samples on hand in case of catastrophes; I've been using the same culture for about seven batches now and it still has the same flavor profile as the first time I used it. No problems yet.

-gcitagh

Reply to
G_cowboy_is_that_a_Gnu_Hurd?

On 3 Feb 2005 12:39:21 -0800, " snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com" said in alt.beer.home-brewing:

And there are kits that allow you to wash and safely freeze yeast, so you can reuse it more than 3 times.

Reply to
Al Klein

I'm pretty sure you cant freeze yeast without killing it. (Dried yeast is different). There is quite a bit of info on the net about yeast washing using acid to kill any bacteria etc, and I understand there are a few brewers on RCB that do this and prepare their own slants. It's a fair bit of work and I think you have to be very dedicated brewer to delve into yeast cultering at this level. The best way to reuse yeast is to rack a new batch of beer onto the yeast cake of the previous batch after racking that to a secondary. If you store the yeast cake in the fridge in a jar, I would suggest using it within a couple of weeks. If it goes for longer then you can prepare another starter by making up a 1.040 wort using malt extract and a tsp of the saved yeast. I use about a 1 litre starter for ales and about 4 litres for lagers. Throw away most of the 'beer' starter liquid before pitching the yeast slurry. Hope this helps, Steve W.

Reply to
QD Steve

Reply to
msclvr

Has anyone ever experienced a WYeast activator pack not 'activating' after a few months in refrigeration (born on Nov 4, in my possession since Dec 12, ~3mo)? I have a pack of 2124 Bohemian that I smacked on Thursday evening, and it doesn't appear to be doing anything yet.

Reply to
Andy H.

On Sun, 06 Feb 2005 01:03:45 GMT, "Andy H. " said in alt.beer.home-brewing:

Contact the company if it doesn't start. Unless your supplier will replace it.

Reply to
Al Klein

Is the date on the front of the package an expiration, or creation date? The date on the front of my pack says Nov 4. Because I received it in Dec, I assumed it was the creation date, but am now questioning that.

Reply to
Andy H.

Reply to
msclvr

Well, it appears that I was just impatient. I woke up this morning to find the pack swelling! I anticipate that it will be ready by tomorrow.

Reply to
Andy H.

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