Is this starter building worth continuing?

After visiting VM's link to Brewyscrewer's yeast-washing-who-knows-what...I stand by my previous comment.

 

I've mixed a lot of "layered" shots . . . but nothing like this. I would continue, gotta wonder what will show up next.

IMO, the top layer will have little to no yeast. The dirty middle layer is unlikely to have healthy yeast (have never seen healthy yeast with all those dark spots). By elimination that leaves the good stuff in the bottom layer.

I would let it all settle at least overnight and try and re-start the bottom layer. Do you think it's possible to decant the top two layers? That might be easier said than done. Maybe save what you decant, just in case.

 

“I did order 2 vials air shipped just to be safe.” I take it that you don’t have a Local Homebrew Store (LHBS)?

Below is something posted previously:

“I personally do not buy liquid yeast online in the summertime. I am of the opinion that even with the small cold packs they use the yeast gets too hot in transit. For summertime brewing, if I want to use liquid yeast I go to my LHBS (which is Keystone Homebrew for me) and purchase liquid yeast. They receive their liquid yeast in Styrofoam packaging with ice packs.”

Cheers!

 

I am sorry to hear that you lost your LHBS.

“I'm just going to order my summer yeast in march so i don’t have to go through this again.” That sounds like a good idea. You may also want to consider using dry yeast for those beer styles that are consistent with dry yeasts. One of the great features of dry yeast is that they will last for years (just store them in the refrigerator).

They are coming out with new dry yeast strains all the time. Danstar has recently released Belle Saison yeast which sounds like a tasty Saison yeast based upon reports of other forums.

Cheers!

 

I hope that you lagers turn out well.

Cheers!