Ever since I started all grain brewing, i use yeast nutrient when I throw in my whirlflock. I ran out today and was looking at buying some more. Chris White’s nutrient states “ If grist is not 100% malt, then yeast nutrient can help make up for lack of nutrients.” Got me thinking, if I’m doing all grain and do a starter as I always do, do I really need this? Opinions?
I use Fermax. I doubt it’s an absolute requirement but I like my results so I use it.
Even pure barley malt is deficient in zinc, which is essential for some enzymatic functions. I started using nutrients several years ago and can’t truthfully say whether or not I’ve noticed an improvement that can be traced back to nutrients alone. For the pennies it adds to the cost of a batch of beer, I can’t see not using it.
I use Yeast nutrient, it has zinc.
As others have stated, it’s cheap insurance.
I only use nutrient for high gravity brews because zinc is likely to be deficient in high gravity brews and for lower gravity kveiks.
I use it in every starter and batch. Because why not?
The need for yeast nutrient is largely dependent upon the water. Water without zinc (like RO and distilled), needs the nutrient.
Realized that my fermentation starts quicker with nutrient.
I do exactly the same thing. Just a pinch in my starters (usually 2-3 liters) and 1/2 tsp of yeast nutrient (I use the Wyeast one) per 5 gallons of wort.
ive never noticed quicker fermentations with nutrient, but I have when using pure 02 to oxygenate.
And I have never found any difference between a 1 hour start and a 72 hour start.
Denny, do you mean no difference in taste when you have early versus late fermentation start?
No difference in taste, FG, or any other meaningful measure.
I notice a more rapid and complete fermentation when I use O2, so that is reason enough for me to use it, however I concede that if the proof is in the glass, it might not be necessary.
I almost always use nutrients - but it wouldn’t stop me from brewing if I didn’t have it. I do always use it for starters however. Just the tip of a butter knife amount.
I’ve always used a dash in my starters. Is there a difference between yeast nutrients? I think I have yeast energizer and yeast nutrient from LD Carlson, as well as the Wyeast yeast nutrient.
I’ve never used it and get compliments on my brews.
However, I use tap water, treated per Ward labs report to Bru’n water specs, only brew beers in the darker part of the color spectrum, use dry yeast, and keep the estimated ABV < 6.
Do any of those factors preclude the need for yeast nutrient?
Not necessarily.
There is a difference, but I can’t tell you exactly what.