Expert: John Snyder - 6/18/2008

Question
Hello John, may I reuse the yeast at the bottom of the fermentation container, for another batch, immediately after I've bottled ? Is there anything I need to do to the yeast before reusing it ? I understand that yeast is good enough for about 6 batches, please confirm. Cheers

Answer
Yes you can right after fermentation.

transfer the yeast slurry to a clean container,add cold water(no chlorine water)mix then put in fridge.

Let settle in fridge,covered loosely,for 2 to 4 hrs,or up to 2 days

When ready to use pour off liquid from yeast

Add a small amount of fresh water,stir to mix,add yeast to your wort

yeast can be used for up to 6 batches,but care must be taken biologically

signs to look for if yeast begins to go bad

1--longer time for yeast to start to work(too many yeast cells are dead)discard
2--taste--sour, strong butterscotch flavor after fermentation,yeast is infected with bacteria discard