I’ve read more than once on the forum that lots of times you need more than one package of dry yeast for high octane brew. I figure - OK - I’m going to brew the Megalodon Imperial Red Ale that has a starting OG of 1.090, so instead of just using the one pack of the US-05 that comes with it, I’ll throw in two packs.
I’m not wanting to use starter - just pitch the dry yeast, and if it makes any difference I have a mini fridge I use to keep the temp right for the yeast during fermentation.
Thought I’d better check here and get some expert advise.
Read the above carefully. 2 packs of rehydrated US-05.
To rehydrate two packs, put 1 cup of previously boiled, then cooled to 100F water in a sanitized jar, then sprinkle the yeast on the top. Wait 15 minutes, then stir with a sanitized spoon and pour the mix into the wort which has already been cooled to the mid 60s or lower.
You will get a much healthier fermentation and better tasting beer if you do this, especially if you keep the fermenting beer temp down.
I made the Megalodon about 7 weeks ago. 4 weeks in primary, and coming up on 3 in bottles. Due to a scheduling screw-up I didn’t have time to make a starter for the WY1056, so I just used it AND one pack of US-05. Waste-not, Want-not; I also used the full 2lbs sugar that was in the kit, instead of the 1.5 lbs specified in the recipe sheet. OG=1.100; FG=1.024
Tasted it on bottling day, and it is AMAZING. I disagree with NBs page that says there is enough hops to keep a hop-head happy, but I am not a hop head. Everything else they say is spot-on. Toffee, caramel, raisin. It has just enough hops to keep it from seeming sweet.
I have a 16.9oz water bottle with about 5 oz Megalodon, that was crushed to remove dead space, and capped on bottling day. After 3 weeks it’s about 1/2 way back to its original shape. So not carbed yet, but given the ~10% ABV I’m not giving up yet.
If (when) I do this again, I’ll just stick to 2x US-05. Given that it seems to be carbing, I’m not sure re-yeasting is necessary, but would like to hear more experienced opinions for next time.
I also suggest keeping the temps low, plus giving a good aeration/oxygenating prior to pitching the yeast. US05 can handle that easily, so even if you can get it down to 1.015 you’re still looking at <10%. Piece of cake.
