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So I have some WLP041 that I want to build up a big cake to split. After fermentation, I intend to divide the trub into 3 or 4 portions, save one back for future use and use the others to do some 3-gallon hop-trial SMASH batches.
Yes, I could just make a big starter, but I really prefer being able to make something drinkable while I'm propagating. I figure I can make a lightly-hopped blonde that will avoid leaving other hop flavors in the cake - I don't want to interfere with the hops in the new SMASH batches.
Grain bill for the propagator batch shouldn't matter too much...probably a mix of Pilsner and Pale and maybe a little wheat or character malt, but no crystal. Most ale styles are going to be late hopped, but I'm thinking that I'll just use enough Magnum at 60 to make a decent lawn-mower beer - essentially a European lager-style beer with Cali ale yeast. I've got a lb of Crystal hops... maybe they'd be bland enough to be able to throw in a 10 minute addition without leaving too much flavor in the yeast cake. I've got a lot of other hops that might be neutral enough as well.
Thoughts?
Yes, I could just make a big starter, but I really prefer being able to make something drinkable while I'm propagating. I figure I can make a lightly-hopped blonde that will avoid leaving other hop flavors in the cake - I don't want to interfere with the hops in the new SMASH batches.
Grain bill for the propagator batch shouldn't matter too much...probably a mix of Pilsner and Pale and maybe a little wheat or character malt, but no crystal. Most ale styles are going to be late hopped, but I'm thinking that I'll just use enough Magnum at 60 to make a decent lawn-mower beer - essentially a European lager-style beer with Cali ale yeast. I've got a lb of Crystal hops... maybe they'd be bland enough to be able to throw in a 10 minute addition without leaving too much flavor in the yeast cake. I've got a lot of other hops that might be neutral enough as well.
Thoughts?