Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Reusing yeast  (Read 1959 times)

Offline etbrew

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 114
Reusing yeast
« on: December 13, 2014, 12:55:34 pm »
I have reused yeast twice but because I'd like to save some money, and hate throwing away what looks like perfectly good yeast, I'd like to reuse more. I How many times do all of you reuse yeast?

Offline klickitat jim

  • I must live here
  • **********
  • Posts: 8604
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2014, 06:42:37 pm »
Indefinitely if the conditions are perfect. For a homebrewer, 3-5 generations before you notice a change. Thats been my experience anyway.

Offline mainebrewer

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 594
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2014, 05:08:52 am »
I've been reusing my yeast for several years now.
My two normal yeasts are WLP001 and WLP002.
I've found that I can get 10-12 repitches from the 001 before I notice any change.
However, the 002 starts to change around pitch number 6 or 7.
While it does save some $, I do it because it gives me a ready supply of yeast.
"It's not that people are ignorant, it's just that they know so much that just isn't true." Ronald Reagan

Offline Frankenbrew

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 709
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2014, 05:29:39 am »
While it does save some $, I do it because it gives me a ready supply of yeast.

+1 More than the $, it saves me a trip to the LHBS.

I regularly re-pitch all types of yeast--even yeast that started out dry. I usually stop after about 3 generations. I've never noticed any change, infection, or mutation.
Frank C.

And thereof comes the proverb: 'Blessing of your
heart, you brew good ale.'

Offline majorvices

  • Global Moderator
  • I must live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 11326
  • Polka. If its too loud you're too young.
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2014, 07:03:07 am »
You should be able to go at least 7 generations. The key is to use it fresh, within 2 weeks of harvesting. Otherwise you should probably make a starter.

When I buy a vial or smack pack I usually start out with a schedule of what I am going to brew the next several weeks. I may start with a dunkel, then go to a bock then a doppelbock or start off with an ESB then from there go EIPA, Robust Porter and Barley wine. The key is to start lower gravity and stay the same or go up. You probably don't want to reuse yeast from SGs much higher than 1.065, maybe 1.070.

If I am really lazy I may even start with a very low gravity beer, not make a starter and just pitch 2 packs of yeast per 5 gallons and use that as a big starter for my next beer.
« Last Edit: December 14, 2014, 07:06:11 am by majorvices »

Offline etbrew

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 114
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2014, 07:11:48 am »
Sounds like I've wasted a lot of yeast over the years...

Do you just pour the slurry into a sanitized container and store in the fridge?  How long will it be viable?  Do you wash it? 

I've been reusing my yeast for several years now.
My two normal yeasts are WLP001 and WLP002.
I've found that I can get 10-12 repitches from the 001 before I notice any change.
However, the 002 starts to change around pitch number 6 or 7.
While it does save some $, I do it because it gives me a ready supply of yeast.

When you say 001 and 002 what do you mean?

Offline Frankenbrew

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 709
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2014, 08:08:50 am »
Sounds like I've wasted a lot of yeast over the years...

Do you just pour the slurry into a sanitized container and store in the fridge?  How long will it be viable?  Do you wash it? 

I've been reusing my yeast for several years now.
My two normal yeasts are WLP001 and WLP002.
I've found that I can get 10-12 repitches from the 001 before I notice any change.
However, the 002 starts to change around pitch number 6 or 7.
While it does save some $, I do it because it gives me a ready supply of yeast.

When you say 001 and 002 what do you mean?

001 and 002 are White Labs product numbers; I'm not sure, but I think 001 is Chico/Ballantine American ale yeast.

Mason jars are perfect for storing yeast in the fridge. Sanitize them first and store yeast any where from 3-6 months.
Frank C.

And thereof comes the proverb: 'Blessing of your
heart, you brew good ale.'

S. cerevisiae

  • Guest
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2014, 09:44:32 am »
Do you just pour the slurry into a sanitized container and store in the fridge?  How long will it be viable?  Do you wash it? 

https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=19850.0

Offline etbrew

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 114
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #8 on: December 14, 2014, 07:22:13 pm »
Do you just pour the slurry into a sanitized container and store in the fridge?  How long will it be viable?  Do you wash it? 

https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=19850.0

Thanks! 

Offline bboy9000

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 703
  • KCMO
Re: Reusing yeast
« Reply #9 on: December 14, 2014, 09:11:32 pm »

Do you just pour the slurry into a sanitized container and store in the fridge?  How long will it be viable?  Do you wash it? 

https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=19850.0

+1

Reading the posts from S. cerevisiae convinced me to repitch more often.
Brian
mobrewer