I purchased my American Ale Wyeast pack a few weeks back. As soon as it arrived I put it directly in the fridge and never even looked at or opened the packaging. Finally got around to brewing this weekend and when I pulled my Wyeast pack out.. I could see it had already been "activated". Without a backup, I pitched the yeast anyway.. and quickly ordered a new one to ship ASAP.. The next morning my airlock was popping REAL good. So, did the yeast survive? Am i good? Any other way to tell? Should I pitch a second yeast? Thoughts? Question mark? Thanks
Checked your refer temp latelY? I assume when you say "activated", you mean swollen? ...in this case I'd say bubbling probably is a good indicator of viability...you are probably fine even though it sounds like you gaffed a starter off.
Yes, yes, not now, no. Here is Wyeast's thoughts about what you are doing: https://www.wyeastlab.com/faqs.cfm?website=2#r16 A good approach is to always make a starter, this is the best way to insure the yeasties are healthy and you have the right amount. Keeping liquid yeast laying around as a reserve is probably not the best technique as the viability decreases over time. A better approach is to always have some generic dry yeast on hand for when the liquid stuff goes south . . . i.e. "yeast insurance".
Well, based on Wyeast's "FAQS" page i might be okay. I've only used their product twice (this being the second) so I started freaking out. I guess I won't REALLY know it worked for another 6wks. Thanks for the responses everyone.
It sounds like it's fermenting, so you should be good. FYI even with the smackpack its a good idea to make a yeast starter anyway prior to brew day. It confirms viability and is a best practice to ensure adequate healthy yeast being pitched.
