Cheapskate question

[dobe12]

If you rinse and collect your yeast you can get many generations out of it. And a yeast cake has enough yeast for another 2-3 batches of beer. And those 2-3 jars of rinsed yeast can all be used, collected and rinsed again to make 2-3 new batches of yeast. I generally will use a yeast for about 5 generations at the most. I’ve read that after 5 generations mutations can begin and at that point you want to dump the yeast. But collecting, rinsing and reusing yeast is an extreme cost saver.

This is how I do it.

http://billybrew.com/yeast-washing

[brans041]

http://www.wyeastlab.com/com-yeast-harvest.cfm

There you are, from the masters themselves.

[brewbeer22]

I typically reuse the same yeast for 3 to 5 consecutive batches, and have not noticed any detrimental effects. Sanitation and a good strong starter on the first batch are key. I brew 20 gallon batches so the first batch is more or less just a starter for the full 20 gallons. I start with lower gravity, lighter colored beers and progress to higher gravity, darker colors beers with each successive batch. I don’t wash the yeast or clean the carboys (except for the one that contains the vast majority of hops and trub) between the batches. If I’ve got too much yeast in the carboys for the next batch, I just dump some out before pouring in the next batch of wort.

Highly hopped beers add significantly to the batch cost.

Buying grain in bulk helps but you will need a mill to crush it.

Regarding your question about the bag of malt in the brew store, it will have a date on it. Check that for freshness.

[vulkin]

So once I look at the date on a bag o’ malted grain. How long is it good for?

[shadetree]

[quote=“Vulkin’”]So once I look at the date on a bag o’ malted grain. How long is it good for?[/quote]Stored cool and dry, it’s good for years.