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Choosing Between
Dry and Liquid Yeasts
The difference between liquid and dry yeast does not really change
the beer. However, some believe it does and it really comes down
to personal preference. There are advantages and disadvantages of
both. Overall liquid yeast is better to use due to purity, however
there are differences between them and they both will do the job.
First, dry yeast is inexpensive, more convenient, very hardy, and
it does not require a starter. But, a starter would actually work
well with dry yeast, such as to rehydrate the yeast in your brew
kettle. Using a starter will create more yeast cells that are
added to the wort and this creates a more efficient fermentation
process. A better fermentation creates a beer with less
contamination and a better quality overall. To make the starter
remove 1 cup of wort 30 minutes before the end of the boil. Allow
it to cool in a covered container. Then add the dry yeast and let
it sit for 10 to 30 minutes to proof. The yeast should be churning
and foaming and is now ready to be pitched. Adding a yeast
nutrient to the wort can help also, such as dead yeast cells in
Vegemite or Marmite extracts.
Also, dry yeast can be more easily stored then liquid yeast. It
makes a more solid yeast cake and this makes the raking process
easier and produces a clearer final product. It is also cheaper
than liquid yeast, which is typically 25% the total cost of the
brew. Fermentation with dry yeast starts quickly and prevents your
beer from getting infected due to a lag time. Dry yeast can be
stock piled; ensuring that you are never out of it and it is
always available.
However, the selection of dry yeast is small and there are limits
on the range and flavor of beer than can be produced with it,
unlike liquid yeast that has many varieties available. Liquid
yeast is made of pure cultures and blends and there is a wide
range of choices. Creating many different and unique flavors of
beers and if you are creating a lager than you have to use a
liquid yeast. To make liquid yeast last longer you can propagate,
split, and reuse it to bring your costs down. You will have to be
very careful about sanitation though and this can be a lengthy
process and takes quite a bit of time.
When it comes to choosing liquid yeast over dry yeast, deciding
based on what type of beer you are creating and how much you want
to spend on your home brewing. Dry yeasts are cheaper and easier
to store, however there are not as many flavors and choices to
choose from. However, they will still create a high quality, great
tasting beer. While liquid yeast is more expensive and cannot be
stored very long, it does have many flavors to choose from, giving
you more options when it comes to the type of beers you would like
to make. Both options will work, and whichever you choose, you
will have a great beer at the end of it all.
Article Source:
http://www.beermaven.com |
