Does anyone skin yeast from live brews?

[Brew2Day]

I read about "yeast ranching" where you skim some krausen of an active ferment to cultivate more yeast.

Has anyone tried this as it sounds good

 

[honeymonster]

It's not something I've done myself but I did a little research on it before.

This may be of use to you if it's something you're looking to try.

http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2686

The poster harvests the yeast from the trub rather than skimming from the krausen.

 

[Brew2Day]

I've done some "top cropping" last night but I think I've left it too late as there wasn't much krausen on top! I've got a bit in a jar but probably not enough

 

[honeymonster]

It was worth a shot. Try making a little starter out of it and stepping it up from there.

There's always next time:)

I started looking into this for when I start brewing AG (the BIAB variety). Looks like a good way of getting more value out of a pack/tube of yeast.

 

[Brew2Day]

I love doing this stuff, I think I'm gonna make a yeast farm lol. i'll see what I can get out of it if I make a starter.

 

[Brew2Day]

Actually i'll have to grab some plastic test tubes from ebay and freeze them for later use

 

[cheshirehomebrew]

you can do but I find it a bit of a faff when all i have to do is buy the dried yeast fom my local HBS and add it in

 

[brewpirate]

I read about "yeast ranching" where you skim some krausen of an active ferment to cultivate more yeast.

Has anyone tried this as it sounds good

Check out this setup, I have been toying with this idea but this looks like a perfect way to top crop safely.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f258/burton-union-system-2-carboys-diy-506049/

 

[Godfather50]

Actually i'll have to grab some plastic test tubes from ebay and freeze them for later use

I don't believe yeast will freeze . Better off in the fridge. I've top cropped lively yeasts ( like London Ale Yeast III).Just used a slotted spoon.