Yeast Blow-Off for Starter

[Darth Malt]

So I brewed an IPA a few weeks ago and did not leave enough head space in the carboy. Half way through fermentation, the krausen was shooting through my blow off tube and into the water jug I had set up. Can I use the blow-off yeast to make a starter for another batch of IPA, or is it past its viability?



Darth

[snowcapt]

Only if you sanitized the blow-off, vessell, tubing, etc.
It is actually a really great way to harvest yeast. Just take proper steps to ensure no contamination occurs, and you may never have to by that yeast again.

[Fisher kel Tath]

Yea, that's one of the advantages of using a Burton Union style system I believe

[spiderwrangler]

I'd say if it was a few weeks ago, and you weren't sanitizing your blow off with the intention of collecting for pitching, then don't bother this time around. That being said, your blow off krausen is an excellent source of high quality yeast. Tasty may chime in there at some point, he is King of top cropping from my understanding. Or at least a kick ass Duke.

[snowcapt]

If you have the resources, this works wonderfully...
http://www.aleiens.com/video/top-cropping-yeast-from-a