Does krausen contain live cells? Can you culture it?

[Lionman]

I have just put down an ale and its got a nice krausen developing after 24hours.

I want to put another one on but don't have any more yeast. I have cultured yeast from the yeast cake at the bottom of the fermenter after racking to a keg with great success.

I was wondering if it would be possible to scoop some krausen off a current brew and culture that? Has anyone tried it?

Or should I just drive to the brew shop?

 

[sp0rk]

Yes and yes
It's called top cropping
http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/67711-top-cropping-yeast-in-pictures/

 

[Lionman]

Yes and yes
It's called top cropping
http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/67711-top-cropping-yeast-in-pictures/

Thanks!

My search was fruitless, but I hadn't heard that term before. Learn something new every day

I'll wait until there's some brown sludgy yeast goodness on top and then it's harvest time! :beerbang: