Liquid Yeast - Help

[Pommie]

OK, just spent the past half an hour trawling through the site but "no cigar".

Just some quickies as I have been tempted to try liquid yeast. I'm not into AG so most of my brews are based on a kit. Dont really have a regular type of beer, it changes every brew but generally I have a lager in one keg and then an English Ale, Pale Ale or Stout in the other. Would like to do a wheat beer soon.

My questions are:

Are there any "general" yeasts which can be used for a variety of brews or does this defeat the object - would prefer not to buy a specific yeast per brew as it could be a 6 months to a year before I brew the same beer.

Do liquid yeasts make that much difference that its worthwhile to use them. I am happy with my brews but the search for excellence continues

What is the best way to store yeast cultures when you split the original pack - test tubes or Grumpys method

http://www.grumpys.com.au/m1.php3?manualid=9

Any other advice/comments would be appreciated

Thanks in advance for your help

Cheers

Rob

[timmy]

Hi Rob,

I can vouch for the fact that liquid yeasts do make a big difference, but it depends on what you're after. The liquid yeasts are quite specific to style but I suppose an American Ale one (1056 I think) would cater for a number of styles. Bear in mind that you can alter the flavours by controlling your ferment temperature.

I have split mine according to Graham Sanders method - basically make yourself a 1L starter, add the smackpack and ferment out. Then split the results between 6 stubbies. I've also been using those 200ml Italian softdrink bottles which are a bit more compact in the freezer.

HTH,

Tim

[Kevnlis]

The new 250ml Forex Gold stubbies are great for storing the yeast cultures! Glass so they are easily stored and small enough to not take up too much space!

[Danzar]

When it comes to imparting taste, liquid yeasts win hands down. But, as timmy says, they are particular to style so you need to do some research on the particular flavour that your chosen yeast imparts.

For example, I've brewed some amazing Belgian ales using a liquid belgian yeast and what made the beer so good was the flavour imparted by the yeast. However, when using the same yeast in another brew that has different ingredients, it will often come out tasting remarkably similar to the previous batch.

In short, sometimes the liquids can do the job too well and can overpower the flavours that you're trying to achieve with the rest of your ingredients.

Make sense?

[Heals]

I know almost nothing about the use of liquid yeasts, will they benefit a kit and kilo recipe at all, say just a standard coopers tin? Or are they used mostly in AG brewing...?

[timmy]

Definately work well in K&K brews...

[lethaldog]

They benefit any brew, it doesnt matter if its kit and kilo, extract, partial or ag they are just better and there is alot more choice but as the others said just make sure you pick the right one for you and if you brew a few different styles of beer as most do then you can end up with quite a few stubbies full so also make sure you have enough room to keep them refrigerated, i swear by them and the only time i use dried yeast now is when i get lazy

[Pommie]

Thanks All

Looks like I'll either have to stick to one brew to use liquid yeast or get extravagant and use a full amount per batch

[The Carbonator]

Dont be scarred to try them Pommie. There are some that can be used in many different styles, but they will ALL make your beer taste better. It is a step in the right direction. Try these two:

WLP001 California Ale yeast is a great all rounder. Will make any ale better.

WLP830 German Lager yeast is a great all purpose lager yeast. Very clean and versatile.

These two yeast are pretty clean, and will allow you to create almost any ale or lager you want.
Much, much better than any dry yeast.

Give them a go.
You won't look back...

[The Carbonator]

I've also been using those 200ml Italian softdrink bottles which are a bit more compact in the freezer.

Freezer?

[Pommie]

Thanks, I'll give them a whirl when i put my next brew on

[The Carbonator]

cool.

But please, dont put your starters in the freezer.

The yeast will die

[Heals]

Does anyone know of any HB stores on the Gold Coast or in northern NSW that stock liquid yeasts?

[Aussie Claret]

Does anyone know of any HB stores on the Gold Coast or in northern NSW that stock liquid yeasts?

You could try Quality Home Brew at Slacks creek, or let me know what you are after as I have some split 2nd generations I could swap with you.

AC

[Heals]

split 2nd generations

Say what?

[Aussie Claret]

Yeast cultures that have been used and washed and can be re-used.