Has anyone ever asked for yeast from a local craft brewery? Did they give it? Did they look at you like you were crazy? Is it worthwhile asking??
Only one way to find out!
Many times, but it depends on the brewer and how busy he/she is. Always bring your own sanitized container.
I had a local brewery donate yeast to our club members. They wanted to support us. I let them make it available instead of asking.
Or buy a growler from them? Maybe a few beers and some food too?
Several breweries here in Portland offer yeast up. Usually you have to come at a certain time (dock sale hours, certain day of the week, etc) and usually they ask people to bring a mason jar full of star san or something like that. A small quart jar is plenty for a home pitch.
If you have a local place you go to a lot and the people know you, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
I have gotten yeast a few times. Breweries produce more yeast than they can use. Ask nicely, and offer that you can come back when they are not busy.
Edit - a new Ziploc bag is carried in the car by many I know. Those are sanitary, just sanitize the outside of the seal before the yeast goes in.
Thanks for the replies, I have a friend who knows an employee at a brewery so I will try that angle
We have a local brewer that has offered yeast several times. I have yet to take advantage but may in the future.
MOST breweries here will provide yeast. I’ve asked what strains they had and they told me to bring in a jar, I’ve just never brought one in because i didn’t want to brew anything that they were making. One day though.
The only thing I would not expect to get is this one breweries strain hey was propagated locally, kinda like a secret ingredient. But the breweries using London ale 3 or 1056 don’t really keep it a secret.
Even the fairly large craft guys (who are still operating with the original owners or were bought out in part or in whole) will give away yeast to homebrewers in my experience. My club has brewed in two such breweries this year as part of a wort share that they offered. The potential liability must be something that they don’t see as problematic; we just have to wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes and bring our own brewing equipment for the boil. It is nice to see them welcome the hobby. And yes, the club makes sure that a few beers (and some grub) are purchased at the tap room for on-site or at home consumption. It has really promoted the club and the breweries.