[gymrat]

Lately my S 05 has been having a really long lag time. I started using the Wyeast Nutrient Blend and am getting activity about 12 hours after pitching with that same yeast. So now I am going to start using it in everything I do. Because I have definitely seen where it makes a difference.

[morticaixavier]

I was useing it always and recently stopped because I was getting heavy handed with it. I started to taste it in really delicate beers like kolsche. I add some to big beers with 15 minutes left (1/2 tsp or so). And if I was planning on repitching the yeast I might well add a little to help the yeast build reserves

[Pinski]

I was useing it always and recently stopped because I was getting heavy handed with it. I started to taste it in really delicate beers like kolsche. I add some to big beers with 15 minutes left (1/2 tsp or so). And if I was planning on repitching the yeast I might well add a little to help the yeast build reserves

What's it taste like?  I can't believe I've never just tasted some. I use it in every starter and most boils closer to 1/8 of a tsp and even less for the starters. 

[morticaixavier]

I was useing it always and recently stopped because I was getting heavy handed with it. I started to taste it in really delicate beers like kolsche. I add some to big beers with 15 minutes left (1/2 tsp or so). And if I was planning on repitching the yeast I might well add a little to help the yeast build reserves

What's it taste like?  I can't believe I've never just tasted some. I use it in every starter and most boils closer to 1/8 of a tsp and even less for the starters.

At that level you probably wouldn't taste it. I was rushing to get a batch of kolsche ready for a comp. I only had 3.5 weeks from brew to judging so I used maybe 2tsp or even a little more in 30 litres. It finished and dropped clear in time (at least with a few days at 34*) and did well enough in the comp but the judges notes and my own tastes both found a certain harsh mineral/chemical quality that I am pretty sure came from the nutrient.

This time around I didn't add any but I have more like 6 weeks to let this one do it's thing. so we will see how that goes.

[denny]

I recommend a complete nutrient like Wyeast Nutrient Blend for all your beers, but especially if the yeast is being repitched.

How and when would you add it?  In the starter?  Or to the wort?

I must have two or three bottles of nutrient that I've never used and recently bought a bottle figuring I should use it and not remembering that I have several already...

You can go either way, starter or in the boil.  I put it in the last 15 minutes of the boil, but I don't make starters and am repitching fresh yeast slurry.  If I were to make a starter, I might throw a little in there but mostly it is just in the boil.

I use the Wyeast also.  A pinch in the starter and the recommended 1/2 tsp. per 5 gal. at 10 min. to flameout in the boil.

[dean]

Wow!  1/2 a teaspoon might be pushing it ... maybe not for big beers though.  I made a 5wall gallon batch of .060 using 1/2 tsp and it made the beer taste like vegemite(sp?)   

Yeck... an acquired taste I guess... and I don't want to acquire it.  Lol!

[tygo]

Wow!  1/2 a teaspoon might be pushing it ... maybe not for big beers though.  I made a 5wall gallon batch of .060 using 1/2 tsp and it made the beer taste like vegemite(sp?)   

Yeck... an acquired taste I guess... and I don't want to acquire it.  Lol!

I'm not sure what made the beer taste like vegemite but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the yeast nutrient.

[denny]

Wow!  1/2 a teaspoon might be pushing it ... maybe not for big beers though.  I made a 5wall gallon batch of .060 using 1/2 tsp and it made the beer taste like vegemite(sp?)   

Yeck... an acquired taste I guess... and I don't want to acquire it.  Lol!

Good to see ya, man!  You must have been using a different nutrient than I am.  There is no discernable taste from 1/2 tsp.

[donsmitty]

So I was at my local Brew and Wine Hobby store today to pick up some supplies and since I am planning on my first all-grain, I asked about yeast nutrient/energizer and both owners looked at me and kind of smiled and said, we have never used it and it.  They both said it was not necessary as the yeast would get all it needs from the grains being mashed.  So I didn't buy any.  But I keep asking myself, what harm would be it be to add a little nutrient/energizer to the pot.  Almost like baseball players using performance enhancing drugs...  after all, I want that yeast to over perform in that fermentor.  What do you all think?  Use it or not?

[denny]

So I was at my local Brew and Wine Hobby store today to pick up some supplies and since I am planning on my first all-grain, I asked about yeast nutrient/energizer and both owners looked at me and kind of smiled and said, we have never used it and it.  They both said it was not necessary as the yeast would get all it needs from the grains being mashed.  So I didn't buy any.  But I keep asking myself, what harm would be it be to add a little nutrient/energizer to the pot.  Almost like baseball players using performance enhancing drugs...  after all, I want that yeast to over perform in that fermentor.  What do you all think?  Use it or not?

I started using it in the kettle a few years ago for the reason you mention...cheap insurance.  I think maybe it helps, but I can't say for sure.  I know it doesn't hurt and it's inexpensive to use.  In addition, since I've already got it, I add it to starters.  I rhink that may have more value even than adding it to the kettle.

[kramerog]

Wow!  1/2 a teaspoon might be pushing it ... maybe not for big beers though.  I made a 5wall gallon batch of .060 using 1/2 tsp and it made the beer taste like vegemite(sp?)   

Yeck... an acquired taste I guess... and I don't want to acquire it.  Lol!

Some types of yeast nutrient comes from autolyzed yeast, which is where vegemite comes from.  In fact, I was at a brewery and they pulled some yeast from the bottom of a conical and added it to the boil to create their own yeast nutrient.  I'm planning to do the same from my fermenter this weekend.  When did you put in the yeast nutrient, Dean?

[hopfenundmalz]

Wort is deficient in zinc.

[donsmitty]

So I was at my local Brew and Wine Hobby store today to pick up some supplies and since I am planning on my first all-grain, I asked about yeast nutrient/energizer and both owners looked at me and kind of smiled and said, we have never used it and it.  They both said it was not necessary as the yeast would get all it needs from the grains being mashed.  So I didn't buy any.  But I keep asking myself, what harm would be it be to add a little nutrient/energizer to the pot.  Almost like baseball players using performance enhancing drugs...  after all, I want that yeast to over perform in that fermentor.  What do you all think?  Use it or not?

I started using it in the kettle a few years ago for the reason you mention...cheap insurance.  I think maybe it helps, but I can't say for sure.  I know it doesn't hurt and it's inexpensive to use.  In addition, since I've already got it, I add it to starters.  I rhink that may have more value even than adding it to the kettle.

Denny, are you using a nutrient or an energizer?  Brand name?  Thanks.

[denny]

So I was at my local Brew and Wine Hobby store today to pick up some supplies and since I am planning on my first all-grain, I asked about yeast nutrient/energizer and both owners looked at me and kind of smiled and said, we have never used it and it.  They both said it was not necessary as the yeast would get all it needs from the grains being mashed.  So I didn't buy any.  But I keep asking myself, what harm would be it be to add a little nutrient/energizer to the pot.  Almost like baseball players using performance enhancing drugs...  after all, I want that yeast to over perform in that fermentor.  What do you all think?  Use it or not?

I started using it in the kettle a few years ago for the reason you mention...cheap insurance.  I think maybe it helps, but I can't say for sure.  I know it doesn't hurt and it's inexpensive to use.  In addition, since I've already got it, I add it to starters.  I rhink that may have more value even than adding it to the kettle.

Denny, are you using a nutrient or an energizer?  Brand name?  Thanks.

I use Wyeast nutrient.

[Jimmy K]

Denny, are you using a nutrient or an energizer?  Brand name?  Thanks.

Nutrient is like a nice smoked turkey and roasted red pepper sandwich on whole wheat bread for your yeast. Promotes good health. Their cell is their temple.

Energizer is like meth.