Washing Lager Yeast?

Northern Brewer General
1

I just racked my Vienna Lager to the keg, and washed the yeast.

This is a pic I found on the web that shows what I have going on. Here’s a picture of what my washed yeast looks like right now:

I’ve only ever washed ale yeast, and my lager yeast seems to be inverted. From what I can tell, the creamy bottom layer is the viable yeast, with the trub layer on top. Am I right? If so, what’s the best way to harvest this? Dump off the top two layers, then maybe add a bit more water and dump into jars?

Help!

2

Well, it looks like I answered my own question. Of course the creamy layer is the healthy yeast. I was just really surprised to see it on the bottom, rather than the top. I did some searching and apparently it’s strain-dependent. I was using WY2308 Munich Lager.

I found that just by gently pouring, I was able to pour off the water and most of the trub, leaving only clean yeast. Looks nice!

Next up: Munich Dunkel. :cheers:

3
http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2012/1 ... posed.html

According to Woodlandbrew’s research you poured out as much yeast as you saved.

4

Interesting read. That might alter my practices somewhat. Thanks!

5

[quote=“Nighthawk”]Woodland Brewing Research: Yeast Washing Exposed

According to Woodlandbrew’s research you poured out as much yeast as you saved.[/quote]

Awesome study!

So I’m to read this as “as bad as a little trub in your fermenter/yeast starter might be, its worse to use the yucky bacteria water hovering above it”