Making a yeast starter

Here’s a video I made that explains my process to making a yeast starter:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yMVsCyqRLQ]

Making a yeast starter is helpful for a number of reasons. Here’s two;

• It makes sure your yeast is viable for fermentation.
• It can save you money by creating more yeast cells for a bigger beer (as opposed to buying two packets/vials of yeast).

Making it is easy.  You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup dried malt extract (or DME)
• 1/2 qt. of water (filtered tap or spring)
• 1/4 tsp yeast nutrient (optional, but helpful)
• Yeast
• A 1 gallon jug or growler
• A bung
• 1 Airlock
• 1 funnel
• 1 thermometer

Sanitize your vessel, funnel, bung, airlock, thermometer.

Stir DME into water on stovetop as the water comes to a boil.

Boil for 10 minutes (you should have an OG of 1.040)

Chill wort until 70 degrees (F) using a sink full of ice water

Pour wort into your vessel using the funnel.

Pour in yeast.

Cover then shake vessel vigorously for a couple of minutes to oxidize the wort.  That provides fuel for the yeast.

Add your bung and airlock and you’re all set.  Your starter will be ready in about 24 hours.

You can pout the whole started into your bigger beer OR chill the starter in your fridge then decanting off the wort your made.