Frozen smack-pack...... What to do?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by GardenWaters, Feb 8, 2014.

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  1. GardenWaters

    GardenWaters Initiate (0) Jan 8, 2012 Illinois

    My smack pack (1968 London ESB) came in the mail yesterday, and when I unpacked it, it was frozen. Not really surprising considering the sub-zero temps we've experienced lately.

    So anyways, I thawed it last night, and smacked it this morning, and surprisingly it swelled up. I assume there are at least *some* viable cells left, but I'm not sure how many may have died as a result of freezing. I plan on pitching this to a starter, but I'm not sure how big it needs to be (doing 5 gal batch of stout, O.G. 1.064). I know calculators take into account the # of viable yeast cells based on the manufacture date of the yeast, but I feel this might be irrelevant if an unknown # of cells have died as a result of freezing. Am I worrying too much? Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!
     
    #1 GardenWaters, Feb 8, 2014
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Must not have been too frozen. Since you got some activity from the smackpack, it may be worth making your starter. Maybe assume 1/2 as many viable cells as you normally would have assumed. You'll know by the size of the yeastcake that forms (or not) in the starter if you're in the ballpark when it's done.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Feb 8, 2014
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  3. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    I'd rather over pitch than under pitch most times. Without referencing Mr. Malty, I'd go with 2 liters.
     
    #3 inchrisin, Feb 8, 2014
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  4. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,295) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    Yes.
    RDWHAHB.
     
    #4 HerbMeowing, Feb 9, 2014
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  5. GardenWaters

    GardenWaters Initiate (0) Jan 8, 2012 Illinois

    I pitched the yeast to a 1 Liter starter, she's on the stir plate. Guess I'll just have to see what happens, and step it up if necessary.
     
    #5 GardenWaters, Feb 9, 2014
  6. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    Yeah, see if you get a healthy response from the yeast. If it stops bubbling within about 36 hours you should be in great shape.
     
    #6 inchrisin, Feb 10, 2014
  7. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    Yeast is pretty resilient...but, treat it right anyway :wink:
     
    #7 GreenKrusty101, Feb 10, 2014
  8. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    One of the reasons I prefer Wyeast vs. White Labs is that the smack-pack checks the viability of the yeast. Since the pack swelled it sounds like the yeast is OK.

    Cheers!
     
    #8 JackHorzempa, Feb 10, 2014
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