hello guys, i recently brewed a 3 gallons batch and used one of this wyeast activator package, the one with the liquid nutrients inside, well i bought it and it says i should use it in the next 6 months, its been 11 months, i store the package at the temperature indicated in the package but heres my question, if i use this yeast after the time indicated in the package, the yeast is not useful anymore? Is it dead? And if i put it in a batch, this dead yeast or bad package can ruin my beer? Or i just have to toss a yeast from a fresh package?
You need to make a yeast starter with this smack-pack. Only by making a yeast starter are you assured there is enough viable yeast to brew a beer. Cheers!
Is your 3-gallon batch waiting for this yeast? Do you have access to a local homebrew shop to purchase some fresh yeast, or do you need to make this one work? You don't want your wort sitting around too long without getting fermentation started, so you may be in an awkward situation and have to do whatever is best to get it going. Jack is correct with the yeast starter recommendation. If you have not done one yet, here's a list of threads that you can read to pick up tips on doing it. http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/search/32240782/?q=starter&o=date&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=8 I think there are also videos on YouTube that you can find and view.
Here's the clearest, easiest to follow video of how to make a yeast starter that I have seen: http://homebrewacademy.com/how-to-make-a-yeast-starter/ It also includes a good write-up of what is said in the video.
Tx a lot for the links, i was so worried about this that i forgot to write back, i went to the hombrew shop and bought a new yeast pack. Tx a lot for the ideas, i was worried about losing my whole brew day work for a single mistake.
