Is yeast starter needed if yeast number adequate?

[babychef]

I will be using liquid yeast for the first time on my next recipe. BeerSmith calculates that I need 89.4 billion yeast cells without starter for my BrewDemon 2 gallon batch. The yeast package has more than that, 1B cells. Is there any advantage to making a yeast starter if the number of cells in the package is adequate, then?

[Kealia]

How old is the yeast? Check the date on the package and then refer to a site like this one to check and see how many cells are still viable.

There are a few tools like this, but this one is the easiest if you aren't familiar with them.

But to directly answer your question: No, if you have enough cells to pitch there is no reason to make a starter*



*For a single batch. Some here do make starters and then save the extra yeast for a future batch, but that's another discussion.

[John Sand]

Welcome! What are you making, and what yeast are you using?
I generally use direct pitch packs of liquid yeast without a starter in 5 gallon batches. You should be fine in a 2 gallon batch unless the yeast is old, or has been poorly stored. Yeast calculators often suggest higher pitch rates than the manufacturer, I follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

[Inkleg]

Hello and welcome!!

What's the SG of the beer you're brewing 1.065sh? Whether you have Wyeast or White Labs, both have around 100 billion yeast cells. If the yeast is fairly fresh I'd pitch without a starter as they are designed to ferment 5 gallons of 1.050 wort.

[babychef]

Thanks, all. The OG is 1.060, but the yeast is fresh. Calculating for age, I think I'll still be fine. Thanks.

[Inkleg]

That will work. What are you brewing?