Bread Yeast...

[BentwoodBlue]

So I was wondering.. Instead of using Servo, would bread yeast added to the boil be a good substitute?

[jamilz]

No, it isn't the same thing. Servo gets jacked up with an increased nutrient load (including zinc) before being dried.

[Bugeater]

Jamil, here is a related question. While cleaning out the medicine cabinet I came across a bottle of 50 mg Zinc tablets. Would tossing one of these into the boil with old yeast work?

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[jamilz]

My understanding is that it still isn't the same, but on the other hand, my understanding is that it is zinc that is the problem nutrient, if you're brewing all grain.

I was at Sierra Nevada for a brew session and they added a bucket of zinc as their only nutrient.

I can't recall the amount needed for a 5 gallon batch, but I think I remember something like 30mg as the correct dose, so you could just use half a tablet. In any case, you'll want to look up the amount and not overdose.

[Thirsty Boy]

Jamil

I have liberated 250ml or so of Zinc Sulphite from work (a mega brewery here in Oz) They use buckets of it in their fermenters as yeast nutrient.

I was just wondering what the effects of over dosing this stuff might be?

'Cause they dose 1.5 litres of the stuff I have into 600,000 litres of high gravity wort (lots of adjunct). So even if I cut this stuff out to 10lt then I still only need 2ml for a 5 gallon batch. Assuming that I would dose at the same rate as those guys. I expect I might need a slightly higher rate as they are propagating thier own yeast and its all going into the fermenter at super perky high krausen.

At any rate, what horrible things might happen to my beer if I put too much of this gup into it?

Dan

[jamilz]

It would be toxic to the yeast in high enough concentrations. Don't assume you need more. More isn't always better.

[brewsters millionths]

a bit less than the ideal is still going to help a bit so you can err on the side of caution. it's still better than none.

[Thirsty Boy]

No off flavours or anything if I accidentaly put in two drops instead of one though?

I used a drop of the concentrated stuff in my last brew and didn't notice anything bad. So it sounds like I just have to be careful no to slip and put in enough to kill the poor yeaster beggars. Of course I am definately going to try the "less is better" approach. I dont think it is actually going to be possible to put too little of this stuff in.

Thanks Guys