Big Starter Question, 1 Gallon Jug Options

[WhiteSoxFan]

I'm brewing a 1.094 beer. According to Jamil's calculator I need 4.6L of starter wort. My starter vessel is a 1 Gallon Jug. I obviously can't fit 4.6L of wort in a 1 gallon jug. The largest starters I do in the jug are about 3Q. I've got over a week until brewday so I have time to do a couple steps.

How should I step this thing up to get the 333 billion cells I need?

a) Start with a really small (1 pint) starter and then step up to 3+Q
b 1Q, step up to 3Q
c) 2Q, step up to 3Q
d) 3Q, then another 3Q
e) Other, please explain

I don't have a stirplate. I will be using yeast nutrient, pure O2 at the start and swirling everytime I walk by.

This post has been edited by WhiteSoxFan: Nov 21 2008, 06:18 PM

[DJ in KC]

Sounds like you have the time to make a usual starter, decant, put 2/3 of the yeast in a mason jar and then more starter wort in the jug. Not real scientific but you will get a slug of yeast.

[jwatkins56550]

get more than one vial of yeast to make your starter

[WhiteSoxFan]

get more than one vial of yeast to make your starter

Not helpful. I don't want to buy more than one vial. I have plenty of time to step this thing up. Splitting the original vial and stepping that up is an option, or doing something like DJ suggests, buying another vial is not. Thanks for playing.

[BobH]

I would go with what you can fit into your gallon jug. It will do just fine.

[ewanzel]

Have you thought about doing a small (2-3 gallon) low OG extract batch? I do this when I need a big starter and have always been happy with my pitching rate. The way I see it is that this starter beer is basically free since I would be making the starter anyway. I typically do a 3 gallon batch and just give it initial O2 and let it ride. Something to consider if you have the time - otherwise I vote for DJ's method.

[MtnBrewer]

You know what? I'm usually the yeast Nazi but I'd fill the gallon jug up close to the neck, add some foam control and make the biggest starter I could and just call it good.

[Monster Mash]

Go to Walmart and pick up a $4 glass vase. They hold 7 liters just fine, here is a pic of a 1.5 gallon starter....

(IMG:http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/BelgianBrewer/Vaseflask3.jpg)

This post has been edited by Monster Mash: Nov 21 2008, 07:33 PM

[NWPines]

Go to Walmart and pick up a $4 glass vase. They hold 7 liters just fine, here is a pic of a 1.5 gallon starter....

(IMG:http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/BelgianBrewer/Vaseflask3.jpg)

I love it! I know you make huge batches, and I've often wondered how you culture up enough yeast when you're not pitching slurry. I lucked into a free 5L flask, but might consider the cheap vase as a back up. Thanks.

[tag]

Just do the one gallon starter and you'll be fine.

Or, make the starter in your fermenter and decant before pitching.

[Mike2753]

Or, make the starter in your fermenter and decant before pitching.

+1 This is simple, and it should work well.

The only other thing I can think of is splitting your yeast like this:

(IMG:http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr112/mshomate/Brewing/brew-starters-081026b.jpg)

1st. step...1/2 of yeast + 1 Qt. 2nd. step add 2 Qts each.

Prost!

This post has been edited by Mike2753: Nov 21 2008, 10:46 PM

[BrewingDan]

I would make a 2.3L starter, finish her out, crash chill, decant, then repeat.

All you're doing is growing yeast right?

[davelew]

Or, make the starter in your fermenter and decant before pitching.

+1

This is what I do with big lagers.

[Sampler]

Love the vase idea.. just hope the wife doesn't think that they are for her (IMG:style_emoticons/brewboard/wink.gif)

[wertydc]

Pitch the yeast into 1qt. starter wort. Let it ferment out, refrigerate overnight, then decant, leaving the yeast behind. Then pitch 3qts. starter wort onto the yeast.