I have some 05 in my fridge. I have a stuck fermentation-only added 1 smack pack to a 1.070 beer. (my mistake) Is it a matter of just sprinkling on top or do I need to stir up again?
Assuming you know the fermetation is really stuck and have tried rousing, temperature bump, etc... I would rehydrate, then pour gently into into the wort/beer.
Yes like VikeMan said, I'm assuming you've tried those. I would give the wort a very light swirl after pitching the yeast. You can use a starter if you like, but I've always been told that dry yeast doesn't need a starter. No expert, but this is based on my knowledge.
No starter for a dry yeast is needed. Rehydrate and move on. Or pitch dry and call it done, but no need for an actual starter.
It's been suggested that a starter is actually bad for dry yeast. I don't recall the reasons for this but, since a single packet contains a gigaton of viable yeast cells, it's really not necessary. I would just sprinkle it in dry and leave it alone.
From what I've read, they package the yeast with glycogen and vitamin C for a huge boost 10-30 minutes after rehydration. By making a starter, they go into overdrive on that and the purpose of dry yeast is wasted.
05 is a beast...I have 3 packs left with 11/13 best by dates...going to use them on a "Candy Red IPA" 10 gal batch and have absolutely no fear...based on the US-05 anyway : )
