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.
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.
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.
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.