... to my How To Make a Yeast Starter page.

The purpose of making a yeast starter is to get the yeast to multiply and grow as well as to start the fermentation of your beer as soon as possible. Making a yeast starter is important if you are using dried yeast and it is recommended if you are using liquid yeasts. The last thing you want to happen to your beer is allow some other type of wild yeast to start fermenting your beer that will turn 5 gallons of a good thing into 5 gallons of wasted time (you will end up pouring it down the drain).

The process if making a yeast starter is simple and should be made at least 24 hours before your brew day.

Making a yeast starter requires additional equipment like: A 1 gallon glass jug, a rubber cork to fit the jug, an air lock (to attach to the cork) and a funnel. Follow these steps for a sure fire yeast starter:

1. Sterilize everything and anything that comes in contact with your beer. I don't use any of those expensive sterilizers because you are just paying too much for something that bleach can take care of. This is the most important part of brewing. If you don't sterilize properly - don't expect a proper beer.
2. Boil 2 cups of water, add 1 cup of dried malt extract and boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Once the mixture has boiled, pour it into the jug using the funnel.
4. Cover the jug with foil and allow to cool to room temperature. Do not add your yeast until it is below 75 degrees F.
5. When the mixture is at or below 75 degrees F, add the yeast and vigorously swirl the jug to create a oxygenated environment for the yeast to live in (remember, yeast love sugar and air).
6. Attach the cork and air lock and allow the yeast to start multiplying.

Following these procedures, you will see a difference in the amount of time taken for a good head to form on your beer. Making a yeast starter is not a necessary process, but it improves the chances of the yeast production, and reduces the possibility of beer contamination.

If you notice any problems, or have any suggestion on how I can further improve this site, please feel free to send me an e-mail [12 November 2006].