Dry Yeast

[3rdto1st]

It's been brough to my attention that instead of making my insane starter, I could have just grabbed a couple of packs of dry yeast and used them. I know a lot of positives, more cells, no starter, more are alive, etc. So why aren't more people using them? What are the positives, and more importantly, what are the negatives of using dry yeast?

[JonW]

Positives:
- less cost
- easy to keep handy
- works as well as liquid yeast
- my favorite... NO STARTERS!

Negatives:
- Not as many strains as liquid
- Bad quality from no-name brands.

All the dry yeast I use is from Fermentis (S-04, US-05, S-23) and Danstar (Nottingham & Windsor). I have never had a quality issue from my yeast. I'm a believer in dry yeast.

[lexuschris]

+1

For me, I like the variety of yeast strains from White Labs. However, I do keep a packet or 2 of good dry yeast on hand at all times for cheap insurance (stuck ferment, forgot to pickup vial, spillage/spoilage, unexpected brewday,etc.). When they get a few months old, I just use them in my next batch.

I do rehydrate my dry yeast though.... some do.. some don't. YMMV..

--LexusChris

[bwarbiany]

If there's a good dry strain for a beer that I'm making, I use dry. I only use liquid when I need a strain that I can't find a good dry version (mostly belgians).

I'd say JonW nailed the pros & cons, so there's no real need to repeat those...

[kevinham]

I LOVE DRY YEAST!

[grico]

If there's a good dry strain for a beer that I'm making, I use dry. I only use liquid when I need a strain that I can't find a good dry version (mostly belgians).

I'd say JonW nailed the pros & cons, so there's no real need to repeat those...

+1 I do the same