Beer Forum

See, I cheat on MoreBeer and get all confused.

I was in a pinch to grab another vial of WL001 and gypsum and asked the LHBS in SF for tips on a starter. I pointed at their E-flask on the shelf and asked for a price and the guy behind the counter said "just prep the starter in the primary". I'll be fermenting in a single vessel (6.5 gal carboy).

So, are there thoughts on this? Can I prep a starter in my carboy, cover it with some foil, then 18hrs later, pour the wort into the carboy for fermentation?

I've searched and haven't found an answer to this question.

Thanks in advance,

Greg

There are probably other issues but one I foresee is that swirling a 6.5-gallon carboy is going to be a PITA.

You have probably already figured out that boiling some DME and water in the carboy will be tough and that you will need one hell of a stir plate.

Okay, I'll crawl back into my closet and quit being a smart ass.

Wayne

Let me clarify (for the smartasses ). the DME would be boiled on the stove, cooled, then added to the carboy. The vials would then be pitched.

I love this forum.

greglovesbeer wrote:Let me clarify (for the smartasses ). the DME would be boiled on the stove, cooled, then added to the carboy. The vials would then be pitched.

I love this forum.

Should work just fine, but it may be a pain if you want to chill and decant it before adding your batch.

Depending on the size of starter and how it spreads out over the bottom of the carboy. Will shallower levels of wort truly affect how the yeast best grow? Picture a quart starter in a carboy. Maybe a 2 quart starter would be better. I am really not sure if it makes a difference or not. Just some food for thought.

Is making a starter in a flask really such a chore? I like doing it that way. To be honest, the method suggested by the LHBS seems kinda douchey and I imagine not the only bad dope being peddled by that place, whoever it is.

That HBS guy must be pretty lazy. Stick to the normal way.


Mylo