Bottle Dregs Stepup Schedule

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by InVinoVeritas, Jul 26, 2016.

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  1. InVinoVeritas

    InVinoVeritas Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2012 Wisconsin

    So I harvested a 4-pack, all 4 bottles, of Allagash White and put it on the first starter step last night. Does the following steps make sense?

    325ml @ 1.020
    650ml @ 1.020
    650ml @ 1.040
    1300ml @ 1.040

    First step is going VERY nicely showing activity this morning after 8 hours.
     
  2. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    I would say yes. I normally use 100ml for the first step (dregs from one bottle), so you're right on target. Consider not even decanting the first step, just add step two to the flask. Also, if it's still roaring, step three could be in the 1L range. Suggestion: mark your large flask with something like a 100ml mark (sharpie). When the yeast solids reach this line I figure that's about 200 billion cells.

    Is this for brewing a witbier?
     
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  3. InVinoVeritas

    InVinoVeritas Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2012 Wisconsin

    Thanks for all the help / suggestions. It's in my 1000ml flask, so if I don't decant I'll just add straight into my 2000ml flask with the 650ml of fresh wort. I really like your idea marking a 100ml line as a ballpark of required cell count.

    How does my gravity compare to what you do?

    As for Wit, yup it is going to be an Allagash White clone. White is far and above my favorite Wit. Calling it my benchmark may be an understatement.
     
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  4. corbmoster

    corbmoster Pundit (848) Dec 15, 2014 Texas
    Trader

    Do you use smaller Erlenmeyer flask for the step ups? Like a 250, and/or 500 ml. And would one be ok loosely covering foil over the opening of the smaller flask so as to allow gas to escape and not allow bacteria in?
     
    #4 corbmoster, Jul 26, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2016
  5. stealth

    stealth Pooh-Bah (2,023) Dec 16, 2011 Minnesota
    Pooh-Bah

    I just pour 100-250ml of wort into the bottle itself and cover with foil for the first step, then go into the flask when I am working with 500ml+ and put it on the stir plate.
     
  6. InVinoVeritas

    InVinoVeritas Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2012 Wisconsin

    I use foil all the time; that's what's on there now.
     
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  7. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    Either way will work. Like stealth says, you can pour straight in the bottle. But a brown bottle makes it difficult to see any krausen/sediment. However, it's common to miss the high krasuen on the first step because it can come and go within hours. Many times I've moved to the second step on faith. I cover the opening with saran wrap . . . it looks good when a hard shake makes it swell up. A pinch of yeast nutrient/oxygen speeds things up. Also, be aware the quantities @InVinoVeritas lists are for dregs from four bottles.
    Gravity looks good. In your case you are sure the yeast are active after the first step, would probably be okay going to 1.030 for the second step. I'm presently drinking a Hoegaarden clone and it defines summertime beer. Good luck finding Curaçao oranges.
     
  8. corbmoster

    corbmoster Pundit (848) Dec 15, 2014 Texas
    Trader

    My situation is a bit different, I want to recover yeast from a canned hefe. The best I can come up with is to somehow nearly empty 2-4 of these cans, swish the contents and pour in to a flask of starter wort. If it works for bottles, it should work with cans too right?
     
  9. InVinoVeritas

    InVinoVeritas Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2012 Wisconsin

  10. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    I'd sooner put dried up cardboard in my wort than dried up orange peel :angry: .

    Seriously, my experience with dried orange peel has been bad . . . also, author Randy Mosher advocates fresh over dried in all cases. Fresh orange zest (even if it's not sour) is your best bet.

    How are the starter steps doing?
     
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  11. InVinoVeritas

    InVinoVeritas Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2012 Wisconsin

    Starter is going GREAT.

    I've already purchased the orange peel. If I try fresh what's your ratio dry to wet?
     
  12. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    If it was carbonated in the can, using the original yeast strain, you should be able to harvest the dregs just like from a bottle.
     
    corbmoster likes this.
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