Anyone try Giga Yeast and have an opinion? I’ve got the GY001, which I think is their version of the WLP001 that I’m going to try next week.
I’m making a huge starter, even though it supposedly has 200 billion cells but I’m going to store some for future use.
I can’t find any reviews anywhere on their yeast but figured I’d give it a try just because.
http://www.gigayeast.com/norcal-ale-1-gy001
Never heard of them before your post, but I am intrigued! Especially about their Vermont IPA Yeast GY054, which I am hoping is Conan from the Alchemist Brewery.
I bought mine from Farmhouse and they didn’t have the ‘conan’ when I ordered it but I plan to try some.
I made a starter at noon today and 3 hours later its gangbusters. Its’ 1 month old so it’s very viable.
It’ll be a while before I know how th is works out.
There is a new brewery in our area, Ozark Beer Company, that uses their yeast exclusively. The head brewer is very keen on this brand and they make the best beer, by far, in our area.
any idea of what strains he uses?
I like that the yeast is packaged with more cells.
I’ve also never heard of Giga. Looks like most of their yeast is cultured out of bottles/cans of commercial beers.
I think the norcal 1 is his base yeast, but I’m not positive. I do know that he loves the saison blend.
Why do you say that?
I was somewhat interested until I came to the part where they introduce their dog. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather get my yeast from somewhere that pets aren’t involved. The seem to say that the dog is confined to the office, but anyway…
First time I heard about it was a year and a half ago when a buddy picked some up from oak barrel in Berkeley. I haven’t used it, but I’m sure a quick call to oak barrel or any other store that carries it can shed some light on the quality.
So, you are saying that all my beers I ever brewed at home are infected with dog hair?
Two things I am suspicious about in a man. 1) If he doesn’t drink coffee. 2) If he doesn’t like dogs. I might forgive one of those. But I cross a man out of my books if he doesn’t like either. Just sayin’. 
+1.
+1. I’ve brewed for 20+ years with multiple dogs supervising, and clean beer to show for it.
My starter could have used a blow off tube! Took off in 3 hours.
I’m pretty sure it’s their version of WLP001 and I’m going to use it in a IIPA this Sunday. I made a 2L starter and split it up into 2 jars and will keep one jar for a future brew but will step up the other jar for the brew this weekend. I figure if I’m paying this much, I want to keep some around for a few more batches.
At this early stage, I’m happy with it so far. The true test will be when I drink the beer.
you did realize you were paying more because it was 200bn cells versus 100bn in wyeast or white labs, right?
Most of the descriptions state the strain is from a particular beer or brewery. I guess they could be propagating from a WY/WL or BSI culture instead.
I wonder when brewers yeast patents will come into the picture.
I don’t think you can patent a living organism…
There was a famous homebrewing book by Dave Line where he said that if you homebrewed you had to get rid of your pest or all your beer would be infected.
See Monsanto
I’m not saying it’s right, but it might happen.