yeast culturing

[emmjr]

I am begining to experiment with keeping yeast cultures on slants and propogating it from there. Just an excuse for an experiment I think ;). I have read that yeast past 7 or 8 generations can mutate. WHat do they consider a generation? Is it anytime you grow a culture or is it only considered a generation after it has fermented a batch and is then harvested? Has anyone had a problem doing this or should I just "Relax, and have a homebrew"?

[emmjr]

Sorry everyone, I answered my own question. I just received a copy of "The Homebrewers Answer Book" (not a plug) in the mail and it covers this topic. If anyone wants to know, It is counted as a generation when the yeast is harvested after fermenting and then re-pitched into another batch, not after a propagation for a starter. The yeast purchased in a vial or smack-pack is considered a 1st generation yeast.

On another note, what is the best way to pitch yeast? Should I drain off the spent wort and only pitch the solids? Or is it OK to pitch the yeast, spent-wort and all?

Thanks,
-Ed

[markaberrant]

Dump the spent wort, try to only pitch the yeast. Unless you are pitching an actively ferementing starter of course.