Soliciting opinions on yeast starter

[FedoraDave]

Specifically, if it's necessary for a smaller batch of lager. Between 2.5 and 3 gallons, to be specific.

[BlackDuck]

I don’t use a starter in any of my lagers. And they are 5 gallon batches. I direct pitch two packs of Fermentis dry lager yeast or 2 packs of White Labs PurePitch yeast packs. I’ve never had a problem with either type of yeast. So I would say....nope.


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[Beer-lord]

We'll need a bit more info such as the SG of the beer, what type of yeast and if it's liquid, the age of the yeast. There are yeast calculators available that let you know how much you need.

[Crazy Climber]

Generally, I agree w/ Beer-lord.
I, personally, have used starters for 3-gallon lagers. But, I prefer to pitch more cells than the average brewer, I think.
As Beer-lord said, it mostly depends on the OG, and the number of viable cells you're starting with. This is where a pitch rate calculator makes all the difference.
I like the one below. For lagers, use the "1.5" target pitch rate, at least, and maybe try the "1.75" target as well, just to see if you can get even further into the comfort zone with the size of your pitch. (You'll need to know the packaging date of your yeast, which sometimes has to be backed-into based on "best by" date - Google can help with this.)

https://www.brewersfriend.com/yeast-pit ... alculator/

[mashani]

That is the yeast calculator I use and I would also pitch that much. I use the Pro Brewer pitch rates (1.0 typically as I rarely brew high gravity) for Ales as well. It lets me drink it sooner without tasting acetaldehyde (I am a super taster of that stuff).

[berryman]

https://www.brewersfriend.com/yeast-pit ... alculator/

The calculator I use also. Sometimes seems like a lot of yeast or a big starter but I like the results.

[Crazy Climber]

That is the yeast calculator I use and I would also pitch that much. I use the Pro Brewer pitch rates (1.0 typically as I rarely brew high gravity) for Ales as well. It lets me drink it sooner without tasting acetaldehyde (I am a super taster of that stuff).

mashani, I recall you making a post on this fine forum several years ago about that calculator, and the good results you were getting by being generous with your pitch rates. I followed your advice and agree that the results are well worth it. So, if I haven't stated it here before, I'll say it now - thanks for posting that!

Example: 10 days ago I brewed an ESB - I do small batches, so it was 3 gallons of 1.060 wort, using S-04 dry yeast. One package should be plenty for a small batch, yes? Well, not according to that calculator. So I pitched 2 packets. Had strong activity in less than 6 hours and those beasts were done with active fermentation in 2 days.