Hilbert

Recipes 

How many hours or days can a smack pack stay activated? If I smack it and let it sit longer than 8 hours will I be in trouble?

Also, how long can a starter sit our? Let's say I pitch my starter and don't get around to brewing how long can it sit out at room temp with an airlock on?

Thanks

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phrogpilot73

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My smack pack said to smack 1-3 hours before pitching, but to discard if not used within 24 hours.

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ajf

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He must have shares in Wyeast I've never seen instructions that say to discard it if not used in 24 hours.

I've had many smack packs that have taken several days to swell. (They were usually a bit old). The instructions say that older packs can take longer to activate.

If you make a starter, but can't use it within a day or so, then just put it in the fridge to allow the yeast to settle out. If you can brew within a day or two, you can decant the clear water or pitch the whole starter. If it stays in the fridge for more than a week, you can make a new starter, decanting the clear water, and pitching the yeast from the original starter.

-a.

Schlenkerla

Recipes 

I believe its not a problem. They are sterile and guaranteed by Wyeast. In fact one day is suggested for each month past the MFG day for full activation. This advice came directly from Wyeast via an email.

You can refrigerate it once its fully grown out, then just let it warm up before you use it giving it a good shake before you pitch.

If you are talking more than several weeks to months I'd make a starter just to be sure its going.

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Next: Irish Dry Stout, Caribou Slobber,

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TexLaw

Recipes 

On the starters, I've left starters in the fridge for a week without issue. At room temperature, I would expect a week to be fine, too. I mean, think about what you do after you pitch the starter.


TL

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twst1up

Recipes 

i've smacked and had the swollen pkg. sit out on the counter (hidden under bills) for weeks and have not had a problem. Of course i made a starter from the pack to ensure everything was ok.

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Hilbert

Recipes 

thanks guys

__________________
Primary 1: Ode to Arthur
Primary 2:
Secondary #1: Sanitizer
Secondary #2: Sanitizer

Bottled: Cream of Three Crops, New Castle Clone, California Pale Ale, Brandon O's Graff Cider, Winter Lager,
Gone but Not Forgotten: Steam Beer, All Hopped Up, Honey Wheat, Nut Brown Ale, Fat Bastard Light, Blondie's Ale, Pale Ale, Trappist Ale, Kitchen Sink Stout, Bee Cave Pale Ale

Edcculus

Recipes 

Its already been said, but here is is straight from the horses mouth in the Wyeast FAQ