Home brewers are always led to believe making a yeast starter is for the advanced brewer. This
could not be further from the truth. If anything beginning brewers should start with yeast starters. When you think about it they are nothing more than a small extract brew.

Why make a yeast starter you ask? The list is long but I will hit a few reasons a yeast starter will only better your brew. First off, it will ensure the yeast is alive: no more questions about the viability of the product you just purchased! Yeast starters guarantee an accelerated fermentation. With a fast start to your fermentation, you stop any bacteria from taking over the wort eliminating the chance of an infected batch of beer/wine. Starters allow yeast to multiply - the added yeast cells will help achieve a lower final gravity and avoid stuck fermentations. Making a yeast starter generally allows beer to ferment cooler than suggested by the manufacturer resulting in a cleaner tasting beer.

What will you need to make a yeast starter? Pretty much the same items used in brewing although I have found a 2000ml Erlenmeyer flask will make the job much easier. The items needed will be a new liquid yeast, thermometer, 1/3-1/2 LB of DME(20% more if using LME) and 1/3-1/2 gallon of water. You will also need a 1/2-1 gallon sanitized container for fermenting. If using the flask, you have your fermenter.

NOTE: If using 1/3LB DME you will use 1/3 Gallon Water - If using 1/2LB DME use 1/2 Gallon Water. You want a starting gravity of 1.040-45.

Now what? Well, this is as basic as you get in the brewing world - outside of Mr. Beer. Bring
your water to 170ºF and add your malt extract - if using LME take the pot or flask off the burner
to avoid scorching of your malt. Stir well to dissolve and slowly bring to a boil. Boil for 10
minutes then cool as quickly as possible below 90ºF. I realize this is a bit warm, but we are
generating yeast, not beer. Pitch your yeast into the sanitized container along with your wort.
Allow to ferment for 12-72 hours before your scheduled brew day. You have done nothing
more than make an exaggerated White Labs Vial or Wyeast pack. When ready to pitch, swirl
your starter to get all of your yeast in suspension and pour into your chilled wort-liquid!

Home Brewing Starter Equipment Kits