I have been planning a brew since the end of September when I bought all of my ingredients including the yeast. Life intervenes, ingredients still sit and the yeast vial is in the fridge. The "best by" date on the yeast is the end of November. It is White Labs WLP585. So can I rescue this yeast, or just toss it and get some fresh? I was going to do a starter, and have read a little about stepping a starter up. I have plenty of LME to use up, so would it be a matter of making the original starter, letting it settle, and provide fresh "wort" a couple of times? Other than being stubborn, am I just making work for myself? Hoping I can carve out some time to brew this batch between the holidays...there is always hope!
Larry, as long as you kept this yeast cold (in your refrigerator) there are still some viable yeast cells in the vial. You absolutely need to make a starter and a stepped up starter is the optimum solution here. There is indeed "work" involved in making a starter (and even more "work" for a stepped starter). It is basically up to you. You can indeed 'save' this vial of yeast if you are willing to take the necessary steps. Your other option is to buy a new package of yeast. Entirely your choice. Cheers!
You could probably bring most yeast back from the dead 6-12 months old if they are kept cold. You have to decide if it's worth your time if you need to make 2 starters. I vial of yeast is ~$10.
Yes, you have the right idea for stepping up. Depending on how big of a beer you are planning on brewing, 2 steps should be ok. Brewcipher will tell you how many steps you need and the size of each based on your gravity. Do you have a stir-plate?
