Thanks again to those responsible for this valuable contribution to "craft brewing" knowledge. My question might have obvious answers for some readers but here goes anyway. When making a starter for an ale with liquid yeast the instructions are typically to keep the starter at 20-24degC. I realize that this helps build up yeast numbers quickly, which is usually part of the goal.

My question is :- does doing an ale yeast starter at say 14 deg C have any detrimental effects on the health or viability of the yeast produced? Or to put it another way are there downsides to doing low temperature starters other than the obvious lengthened time taken to build up a large population.

Thanks
Grant Stott

RESPONSE:

No there is no harm to your yeast if you grow it at colder temperature. In fact some lager beer producers propagate their yeast as low as 10C. Just make sure that you aerate your yeast well.

Tobias