Yeast recycling

[Hoddy]

I do it a lot, for a few reasons.
Yes it saves money.
Postage to where I live takes up to 2 weeks, even for yeast from CML (NOT their fault, I hasten to add)!
I enjoy the process and fiddling with things.

I’m not surprised. It takes anything ages to get onto the island. Especially on that plane.

 

[AJA]

I've only reused one set of yeast (but a few times). It's WLP644.
So I guess for me the advantage is:
1. It doesn't get outcompeted when co-pitching with other strains, as it has a head start.
2. Pretty much zero lag.
3. No danger of underpitching
4. I get a consistent result each time, shed loads of fruity esters in my NEIPA.

Disadvantages
1. Need space in fridge.
2. Need to harvest before dry hopping (easy when keg fermenting, or using a conical.)
3. Need to prepare a starter before brew day. Not hard, just planning needed.
4. Starter might not take? I've been told anecdotally this seldom happens unless it's years old.
5. Washing process is a slight hassle.

I wouldn't bother rescuing dry yeast, but liquid yeast is about £7 a pack.