3 replies to this topic

[stellarbrew]

The scenario is to build a 1.040 half gallon starter, ferment it out, decant, and then repeat with another 1.040 half gallon starter. Or, I could build a single 1.040 one gallon starter. Which method will ultimately yield a greater yeast population? Or will each method yield about the same yeast population? Is there any reason to prefer one of the two methods over the other, besides time constraints, or container space?Advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[zymot]

When making a starter, there is a non-linear return of size against number of cells grown. Example: A starter that is 4 liters does not produce 4 times as much yeast as a starter of 1 liter, (it will be less than 4X) all other factors being equal.There are a couple places you do some "what if" scenarios and confirm what I am saying:mrmalty.com has a calculator. Follow the links wyeast labs has a calculator. https://www.wyeastla...b_pitchrate.cfmThe Maltose Falcons have a well regarded artical on the subject. https://www.maltosef...t_Culturing.phpI bet you will find that stepping up is the way to go.Bottom line for me: Stirplates get you closest with the least amount of hassle, after you get your hands on a stir plate and vessel.zymot

[Kansan]

I would vote for the two pitched scenario. You can do your first pitch a week ahead of time, store in the fridge till brewday--that way you are not rushed and have options. I have found that a decant and second 2000 ml pitch will take off to full krausen in about 5 hours on a stir plate, 8 without-- so the morning of your brewday pitch and you should be at high krausen when the wort is cooled and ready to go...

[stellarbrew]

Yeah, it looks pretty conclusive that I will get more yeast by stepping it up.Zymot, thanks for the links. It should have occured to me to run the scenarios through a calculator. I've used the Mr. Malty calculator before. That Maltose Falcons article is excellent. I scanned through it quickly, but I'm definitely going to read back through it carefully.