Top Cropping

Sooo, I am planning on top cropping my next batch. I am just going to open the bucket and ladle out some crud off the top at high krausen. Anyone ever done this? I am wondering how much I should pull off? I'm thinking a cup or two............

there's a vidio on northernbrewer brewingtv.com that shows top cropping but i don't know what episode.sorry i'll keep looking

Ive done it, a little differently though. I usually take a loop full for a slant. It works pretty freaking well though, always grows great looking cultures. You gonna throw it in a starter?

Thanks HB, I have never heard of that, I will have to check out their vids!


FM- I was not going to put in a starter. My plan is to brew a 1045 or so blond ale and say on day 3 or so when it is rocking I will take a soup ladle to the top and toss that in a kolsch. My understanding is that all the yeast at the top are 100% viable and kicking so no need for a starter.


WTH is a loop?

Inoculation loop, its basically a metal handle with a small, thin wire at the end wrapped in a loop. Its for taking really small amounts, not good for what your talking about. a guy on one of the other forums says he uses about 60ml of slurry for his IPA. Doesnt say the OG but its a 6% beer. Im assuming your kol;sch wont be that big?

http://forum.northernbrewer.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=92930

^Thats the link, its got some pics too

Awesome link! Thanks! I think I would have seriously overpitched!