High Gravity Wash

[skyhigh]

I just kegged a Barleywine and wanting to reuse the yeast. While the OG wasn’t really high for this type of beer I would like to know if anyone would try washing the yeast from this batch.

1st Gen White Labs WLP001 (Large Starter)
OG: 1.095
FG: 1.029

The attenuation was below low end for this yeast and I have read where high gravity batches can do that and I bet I should have used a bigger starter. I also know you should start with lower gravity beers and work your way up when washing/reusing your yeast but this was the first time I needed this strain. This beer is my 4th ever brew.

My plan is to just pull off the most viable yeast when washing. I will use a stainless turkey baster to suck out the high middle layer just as most of the trub has settled. I have heard the yeast that stays suspended the longest is the healthiest.

I will be growing a starter out of this batch for a similar, if not identical, beer in a couple months.

I guess I am curious what some of the master brewers may say to my attempt at this. As well as hear if they have any other advice.

Thanks

[nighthawk]

Here is one person’s take on yeast washing.

http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2012/1 ... posed.html

You said you made a large starter, but don’t mention the size. So I will assume you used a size recommended by various calculators? And the yeast “underperformed”. Doesn’t sound like that batch of yeast is up to the challenge.

One thing you can/could have done, make a starter. Split that starter into 2. Store 1/2, make a starter with the 2nd half for you beer.

Or use a similar dry yeast strain, us-05, and pitch 2 packs.

I would not reuse this yeast.

[denny]

Although I’m a noted yeast abuser, no way would I reuse yeast from a 1.095 beer. My limit is 1.075, which is still about 15 oints higher than most sources recommend.

[skyhigh]

I harvested it with the method I noted. I only got about one fourth the yeast compared to my first two attempts at washing/harvesting. I have it split into two batches and I’ll mess with one in a couple days. We’ll see how it goes…or grows.

Obviously as I am new to all this I may likely fail in my experiment but I think if I do a starter and harvest only the top layer and from there move onto another starter I will build up some good yeasties. If not then all I am doing is wasting my time and well, it is my time to waste. I’m sure I’ll learn something along the way.

If it feels right I will do an attenuation comparison against some first gen WLP001 and post the results.