16 replies to this topic

[Recklessdeck]

Sounds weird, eh? I was surprised too. So I brewed up an alt today, had a starter of 1007 I made with three bottles of malta goya. Having chilled and decanted, I was left with about a pint and a half of the now fermented malta in a jar I used. Out of curiosity I took a drink and much to my surprise, it was good! Medium bodied and fruity, it really reinded me of Spaten Optimator, just with less bitterness and carbonation. Reminded me of traditional small beers, as both i and my brewing assistant found it quite refreshing after a long brewing session.Anybody have a similar experience? I urge you to try it, at least for the experience. I bet a belgian starter might have some nice funk going on. Or is this disgusting?

[Deerslyr]

Sounds weird, eh? I was surprised too. So I brewed up an alt today, had a starter of 1007 I made with three bottles of malta goya. Having chilled and decanted, I was left with about a pint and a half of the now fermented malta in a jar I used. Out of curiosity I took a drink and much to my surprise, it was good! Medium bodied and fruity, it really reinded me of Spaten Optimator, just with less bitterness and carbonation. Reminded me of traditional small beers, as both i and my brewing assistant found it quite refreshing after a long brewing session.Anybody have a similar experience? I urge you to try it, at least for the experience. I bet a belgian starter might have some nice funk going on. Or is this disgusting?

Well... I made 5 gallons of a Blonde Ale as a starter for an Old Ale... does that count? Just kidding. I know what you mean. I look at a couple of really old mason jars in the fridge with yeast slurry in them that have separated and wonder what the liquid portion tastes like. I may very well take a sip of the Kolsch that's been in there for a couple of months (just to see).

[BrewerGeorge]

I tried it a few times. I gave it up because it was mostly gross. Not disgusting, just not tasting good.

[MyaCullen]

I tried it a few times. I gave it up because it was mostly gross. Not disgusting, just not tasting good.

I guess the logical progression of this would be that if youy starter is decent, you are on the right trackedit Dammned Torpedo!.

Edited by mikeinspokane, 17 April 2009 - 10:32 PM.

[Kansan]

Smell, always. tried the taste a few times.... too concentrated.... kinda like a cross between Flintstone vitamins and Momokawa Pearl sake. Each in itself not so bad... I usually just go with the smell.

[ncbeerbrewer]

The point being making a starter with DME, Malta or in traditonal means not brewing up a 5 gallon beer for a bigger batch. I have been tempted to taste some of my starters but can't say that I have at this point. Sure I will sniff them but I hold to the fact that the point is to grow yeast not make good beer. Maybe the next starter I make with my favorite yeast I might give it a swig. Otherwise I think I will pass.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

The taste kind of reminds me of mr beer beer I've had - just more oxidized.

[Uisgue]

I like to make 2 or 3 gallon mini-batches just for the small yeast cake (big starter). I don't put a whole lot of time and thought into them, but I do make them into a drinkable beer.

[Recklessdeck]

I think what made this one good is that I was fermenting what is pretty much unfermented beer, that malta goya. A DME starter does not sound nearly as appealing. I also think that particular yeast strain had something to do with it.Uisage, I like how you make your starters, I might have to start doing that. Esp. since I have three 3-gal carboys just sitting around...

[chuck_d]

I like to make 2 or 3 gallon mini-batches just for the small yeast cake (big starter). I don't put a whole lot of time and thought into them, but I do make them into a drinkable beer.

True, but if you use a stirplate you can get the same cell count by making a starter size of about a half gallon instead of 3 gallons. I may not get drinkable beer, but it takes far less planning so I can get a decent cell count and brew without starting a week in advance.

[Stout_fan]

Well, I actually DID taste my starter.It was gross,No wonder the recommendation is to chill crash it and dump the liquid.

[Darterboy]

If it's been on a stir-plate, it's gonna be oxidized and nasty. Crash chill and decant.

[robert41]

If it's been on a stir-plate, it's gonna be oxidized and nasty. Crash chill and decant.

i second that, the yeast are aerobically respiring only, totally oxidized and, none of the pleasing esters are being created i tried a kolsh starter that had been on a stir plate and it was pretty vial stuff.

[dapittboss]

Of course I've tasted my starters. It's beer.

[Stout_fan]

vile

[djinkc]

Once

[stellarbrew]

I have frequently tasted it. If I were to put hops in my starters, it would be quite drinkable. Since I don't put hops in my starters, not so much.