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Author Topic: Scorched my starter wort  (Read 2659 times)

Offline chezteth

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Scorched my starter wort
« on: April 30, 2012, 07:20:41 am »
Yesterday I made a small yeast starter for a kolsch.  I didn't realize I scorched it before I added the yeast to it.  In my hopes to salvage it I still put it on the stir plate and continued like it was still ok.  I would normally chill and decant most of the wort.  I know that a kolsch is a very delicate beer and any strong flavors would come through.  Do you think I could get away with using this yeast starter or should I make a new one?

Cheers,
Brandon

Offline davidgzach

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Re: Scorched my starter wort
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2012, 07:42:57 am »
How badly was it scorched?  Probably RDWHAHB.......

Just give it a solid day to settle in the fridge and form a good yeast cake.  Then decant off as much as possible.

Dave
Dave Zach

Offline chezteth

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Re: Scorched my starter wort
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2012, 07:48:01 am »
I would say about a quarter, or less, of the bottom of the Erlenmeyer flask has black stuff on it.

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Offline jmcamerlengo

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Re: Scorched my starter wort
« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2012, 08:20:01 am »
I think you'll be just fine. As mentioned, chill and decant.  Maybe take a pint or so of your wort from brew day and wake the yeast back up with that wort.
Jason
-Head Brewer, Brewtus Brewers in the Shenango Valley. Hopefully opening a brewpub/nano brewery in the next couple years.

Offline chezteth

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Re: Scorched my starter wort
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2012, 02:35:44 pm »
Thanks everybody for the replies. I hate to throw out yeast but I would do it if I had to. I will definitely chill & decant.

Cheers,
Brandon

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Offline jeffy

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Re: Scorched my starter wort
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2012, 04:06:48 pm »
Chill and decant, then smell it.  I would not use it if it smells burnt.  A little of that carries a long way.
Jeff Gladish, Tampa (989.3, 175.1 Apparent Rennarian)
Homebrewing since 1990
AHA member since 1991, now a lifetime member
BJCP judge since 1995