Sorry for not responding to everyone for a few days, was out working. Whoa.
Okay, how did this become a conversation about beer?
Sure, I can wash with beer, marc, grappa, calvados - without the brine part, but it puts me back where I've started; still needing a salt alternative! The Brandy or Rum direction would work well with this type of cacao.
MrsMarbles, I am using cacao powder in this recipe like ash! (at least in 2 of my test subjects to see how it works). There will also be a line going through the center.
Linuxboy, thanks so much, I am going to try your formula. Magnesium however... oh boy. I thought if we are only trying to grow yeast than we can just use a KL71, can't we? then I can brandy wash and the sugar would probably enough to feed it. I am not worried about growing and controlling yeast. I am more worried about growing basic PC and Geo.