Splitting Yeast Starter Between 2 Fermenters

Dplonk87 · Joined: 18 Jan 2018 Posts: 2 Location: Charlotte, NC

My friend and I are attempting our first 10 gallon batch and intend to ferment in two 6.5 gallon carboys. We normally make a yeast starter for our 5 gallon batches. We intend to make an appropriate sized starter for 10 gallons. My question is how do you split the starter between the fermenters to ensure you have approximately the same amount of yeast going into each?

**kal** · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 3:47 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum!

I split my yeast starter all the time between 2 fermenters. Like so:

1. Make the yeast starters in a large 5L flask.
2. When the starter fermentation is done, pour it into two 2L flasks evenly (it should still all be stirred up).
3. Place in a fridge.
4. The yeast will settle out.
5. When ready to pitch, decant the wort/beer, and pitch only the yeast. The amounts should be very even.

Cheers!

Kal

Dplonk87 · Joined: 18 Jan 2018 Posts: 2 Location: Charlotte, NC

Thanks Kal! If I don’t have a 5L flask would it just be easier to use dry yeast since I could measure our equal amounts and then rehydrate seperately?

**kal** · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 4:45 pm Post subject:

That would certainly work. When I ferment with dry yeast, I simply pitch equal amounts like you mentioned since I don't make starters with dry yeast. I just pitch the right amount.

The problem of course is that dry yeast selection is very limited. There are only 2-3 I like and use while with liquid there are dozens I've used and hundreds available. Depends on your needs and likes / depends on what you're brewing.

Cheers,

Kal

jphussey · Joined: 17 Oct 2012 Posts: 171

I had this precise question and thought to myself, I should hit Kal up on social media...but let me google it first. And lo and behold, first result is the forum with this post!

Thanks ya'll!

**kal** · Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 8:18 pm Post subject:

Saved me some typing! Wink

Kal

pedactyl · Joined: 01 Dec 2017 Posts: 38 Location: Seattle

Kal, do you add any wort to the two 2L flasks after you decant?

**kal** · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 5:06 pm Post subject:

Yup. See step 7 from my MAKING A YEAST STARTER instructions:

https://shop.theelectricbrewery.com/pages/making-a-yeast-starter#STEP_7_Decant_beer_and_pitch_yeast_on_brew_day

Kal

Walts Malt · Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2021 3:52 am Post subject:

Kal,

You said that there are 2-3 dry yeasts you like. I’m assuming one of those is US-05 since it’s in a few of your recipes. What are the others? I just used 34/70 for the first time on a lager, but the jury is still out on that.

**kal** · Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2021 3:27 pm Post subject:

I've used a few dozen over the years. The only ones I use repeatedly today are:

https://shop.theelectricbrewery.com/pages/fermentis-safale-us-05-dry-yeast
https://shop.theelectricbrewery.com/pages/fermentis-saflager-w-34-70-dry-yeast

YMMV of course

Kal