Question on batch quantities

[rich]

Hey Guys,

So I've been brewing at an average of one 5 gallon batch a month, but would like to brew even more frequently, so as to experiment more with styles, tastes, and whatnot. So I'm thinking of brewing 2.5 gallons at a time. I figure I'll just cut all ingredient quantities in half. But I am curious about the yeast. I've been using liquid yeast, and am wondering if it is necessary to put only half of the packet contents in, or if that's not even necessary. Honestly, I'd prefer to put the whole packet in, since it's the only ingredient I wouldn't be able to save, but would that effect the beer at all?
If anyone has any advice, it would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Rich

[Fast_Eddy]

Pitch the whole tube. You won't be over-pitching.

[Stodbrew]

Yep, as Fast Eddy said, throw it all in. Technically, you'll probably still be underpitching.

[GunNut76]

I just went to 5 gal batches and I am coming off 2.5 batches...pitch the whole tube or if you are using dry yeast 1/2 of an 11g packet is OK or a whole 6g packet. Liquid yeast is hard to keep fresh after opening it.

[BeerBelly]

It would be easier to drink more so you can brew more. Or make some friends who like homebrew, mine have yet to disappoint me in disposal of extra beer. A couple of months ago we started brewing 2 batches of 5 gallons. We may go to 3.

[Caffinehog]

Originally posted by BeerBelly
It would be easier to drink more so you can brew more.

I like your philosophy!

Yeah, it's pretty hard to overpitch. You could probably even make a starter for a 2.5 gallon batch without worrying.

Also, you could reuse the yeast cake if you time your second batch so that you brew it when you rack your first batch.

[Fast_Eddy]

While we're on the subject - the generally accepted amount is 250 ml(about 1 cup) of yeast slurry for a 5 gallon batch.

Remember though that that's yeast slurry and not yeast slurry AND trub. For the last couple of months I've been washing my yeast before re-pitching and I was surprised how much of the "yeast cake" is not actually yeast.