Just wondering if this strain will ferment out a 1.056 ale if I don’t use a starter, but the yeast is less than 1 month old in the smack pack? I’d like to brew Saturday, and still have to buy the yeast. Not time for a starter.
Is S-04 even a close sub?
not what you asked, but IMO you’ve got time for that starter…
cheers–
–Michael
Personally, I do not consider S-04 a close sub. You could probably get away with not using a starter. However, 1469 is a great yeast, and I like to ensure that it has a healthy fermentation, so I would make a starter, and brew at a later date if you can.
No time for a starter? If you were set to brew a beer and found out you didn’t have enough malt or hops would you still brew the beer? If the answer is no then why would you brew without enough yeast?
That said, yeah, you would probably be fine. especially if the yeast is fresh. But I agree you have plenty of time to make a starter.
If you make the starter now and use a stir plate or intermittently shake, it’ll be okay to cold crash late Friday night. No worries there. Using a starter for your beer will make a huge difference in your beer. I wouldn’t even consider making a beer without one.
If the yeast is fresh and you’re only pitching it in 5 gallons, you’ll be fine. A starter is better.
a little bit of starter is better than no starter at all. i haven’t had the pleasure of using anything but dry yeast lately, but when i use liquid, i pretty much always make a starter (doesn’t denny say life begins at 1.040, indeed).