Choosing Between Dry and Liquid Yeasts
The difference between liquid and dry yeast does not really change the beer. However, some believe it does and it really comes down to personal preference. There are advantages and disadvantages of both. Overall liquid yeast is better to use due to purity, however there are differences between them and they both will do the job.
First, dry yeast is inexpensive, more convenient, very hardy, and it does not require a starter. But, a starter would actually work well with dry yeast, such as to rehydrate the yeast in your brew kettle. Using a starter will create more yeast cells that are added to the wort and this creates a more efficient fermentation process. A better fermentation creates a beer with less contamination and a better quality overall. To make the starter remove 1 cup of wort 30 minutes before the end of the boil. Allow it to cool in a covered container. Then add the dry yeast and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes to proof. The yeast should be churning and foaming and is now ready to be pitched. Adding a yeast nutrient to the wort can help also, such as dead yeast cells in Vegemite or Marmite extracts.
Also, dry yeast can be more easily stored then liquid yeast. It makes a more solid yeast cake and this makes the raking process easier and produces a clearer final product. It is also cheaper than liquid yeast, which is typically 25% the total cost of the brew. Fermentation with dry yeast starts quickly and prevents your beer from getting infected due to a lag time. Dry yeast can be stock piled; ensuring that you are never out of it and it is always available.
However, the selection of dry yeast is small and there are limits on the range and flavor of beer than can be produced with it, unlike liquid yeast that has many varieties available. Liquid yeast is made of pure cultures and blends and there is a wide range of choices. Creating many different and unique flavors of beers and if you are creating a lager than you have to use a liquid yeast. To make liquid yeast last longer you can propagate, split, and reuse it to bring your costs down. You will have to be very careful about sanitation though and this can be a lengthy process and takes quite a bit of time.
When it comes to choosing liquid yeast over dry yeast, deciding based on what type of beer you are creating and how much you want to spend on your home brewing. Dry yeasts are cheaper and easier to store, however there are not as many flavors and choices to choose from. However, they will still create a high quality, great tasting beer. While liquid yeast is more expensive and cannot be stored very long, it does have many flavors to choose from, giving you more options when it comes to the type of beers you would like to make. Both options will work, and whichever you choose, you will have a great beer at the end of it all.
