Dry yeast one packet or two?

[Mascrappo]

Hi guys, simple answer will suffice as I a simple guy.

I am confused on latest packets of Fermentis Saflager S-23 and their other dry lager yeasts. I have exact packets that read (basically enough for) " to 30 litres", while other packets (of S-23) read "to 15 litres". I make 5 gallon cold (56-57 degree) lager batches and want to know if I need 2 packages of 11.5g or one? Thanks!

 

[Harleybrew32]

i havent used S-23 but i have used W-34/70 with an OG of 1.048, I used 2 packets rehydrated.
my chamber back then could only maintain 55F and that was a pretty good lager.
I say go with two, but i have only made about 6 lagers and 2 of those were butter bombs
gearing up to do another one soon, with my newer chamber which can goto 32F
cheers

 

[Mascrappo]

Thanks, the last I made went down the drain. Packaging differences had me wondering if I need 2 packets.

 

[Harleybrew32]

good luck, I was able to save one by racking on top of a us-05 yeast cake, it took a lot of the buttery popcorn away and made it drinkable.

 

[Mascrappo]

I am not a professional brewer and I ask stupid questions. I figure that is the only way I will learn and maybe others as well. I follow brew kit instructions and when batch fails, I want to know why. The last batch I can only think maybe I didn't have enough yeast?

 

[Dland]

Generally, the lager yeasts are pitched at a higher rate than ale yeasts. I believe this is reflected on the Fermetis packages by the range of liters recommended per packet, ie 1 packet yeast is good for 15-20L lager, 20-30L for ale(example, may not be exact numbers).

 

[Mascrappo]

I read that somewhere, but again, I followed manufacturer's instructions. That label said up to 30, exact same product on last packet says up to 15...so confusion sets in.

 

[TurnipGreen]

If you are fermenting at temps in the mid to low 50s you might want to consider making a starter. Even if it’s just a vitality starter.

I’ve had way better results in low temp beers when I pitch enough viable yeast that you can see active fermentation quickly.

 

[Mascrappo]

Two packets it is, what can it hurt?

 

[Dland]

Two packs can't hurt for sure. One would probably be fine, but two will get it off to a nice start. You do not really need a starter with Fermentis dry yeast if you pitch at sufficient amounts.

 

[dmtaylor]

One pack is enough at 56-57 F. If you can get it colder to the 40s, then use 2 packs. Temperature (well, and batch size!) is what matters more than anything else.

 

[Steveruch]

A few days ago I pitched one pack (11g) of diamond lager yeast into two gallons of 1.050 schwartz bier and had signs of fermentation in four hours.

 

[BruceH]

Two packets it is, what can it hurt?

According to the Fermentis site from .8 to 1.2 grams should be pitched per liter. I've only used it a few times. The first was two packs in about 20 liters fermented at 53 degrees. The other two times were using slurry from the first brew. All fermented just fine.

 

[Mascrappo]

Thanks again, like I said, their packet instructions are conflicting and back in the 1900's I used one packet for 5 gallons...nowadays might need 2!

 

[Bubbles2]

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=liter+to+gallon&ia=answer

and you can always hydrate and then create a starter to double your start

 

[Silver_Is_Money]

i havent used S-23 but i have used W-34/70 with an OG of 1.048, I used 2 packets rehydrated.
my chamber back then could only maintain 55F and that was a pretty good lager.
I say go with two, but i have only made about 6 lagers and 2 of those were butter bombs
gearing up to do another one soon, with my newer chamber which can goto 32F
cheers

Did your butter bombs occur with W-34/70 yeast?

 

[Harleybrew32]

Did your butter bombs occur with W-34/70 yeast?

wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager was my first and it was also my first lager attempt, my fault since i didnt make a starter and my temp control was not good. second was w-34/70 and again i didnt hit the diacetyl rest right, actually missed it totally. that one i racked on top of a WLP001 yeast cake and that took away the buttery popcorn flavor, there wasnt alot to start so i wouldnt call that one a butter bomb. now i make starters and have better temp control along with Tilt hydrometers so i can see the gravities. my Oktoberfest and Doppelbock turned out pretty darn good. the doppelbock may go into a competition in a few weeks.
cheers