Repitching Lager Yeast

[benfoot]

Hey gang -

So I have one 10 gal batch of Dort Export going with southern german lager yeast. They have finished up after 2 weeks at 50F and I am lagering now for a couple weeks. My question is this: Can I keep the yeast in the carboys @ 40-45F during lagering, and then when ready move the beer to kegs and pitch the yeast? Or should I move the beer off the yeast to lager, and pitch the yeast once the beer is moved to a secondary carboy?

Thanks

[Elbone]

Hey gang -

So I have one 10 gal batch of Dort Export going with southern german lager yeast. They have finished up after 2 weeks at 50F and I am lagering now for a couple weeks. My question is this: Can I keep the yeast in the carboys @ 40-45F during lagering, and then when ready move the beer to kegs and pitch the yeast? Or should I move the beer off the yeast to lager, and pitch the yeast once the beer is moved to a secondary carboy?

Thanks

What I do is leave the beer on the yeast 'til it's done, then rack to a keg and lager there. I repitch or and collect the yeast for re-pitching at that point. No need to secondary unless you just want to clear it up before bottling. You should be lagering a bit colder- mid to low 30s. At these temps, your yeast will be fine to re-pitch after you're done lagering.