[StinkyVp]

So I messed up on at least two things. I had lots of headspace and didn't refrigerate (yet). It's been a week at room temp. I won't brew until next weekend which will be two weeks after.

Should I trash them and start over next time? Is there anything I can salvage?

[JoeyChopps]

Yeast is pretty tough I say try to make a starter and see what happens

[StinkyVp]

Okay I'll put them all in the fridge and try and get stuff to make starter next week. I've never made one before. Is there any chance I can pitch one of those big ones without making a starter or is the yeast just too dead?

[pabloj13]

Originally Posted by StinkyVp

Okay I'll put them all in the fridge and try and get stuff to make starter next week. I've never made one before. Is there any chance I can pitch one of those big ones without making a starter or is the yeast just too dead?

I wouldn't with all the extra variables involved. Make a starter. It is super easy and good practice. It lets you know your yeast are good.

[Varmintman]

Yup do a starter and then give it the smell and taste test before you toss it into your beer. If things are not smelling or tasting good dump it and toss some dry yeast.

I think you might be ok though.

[StinkyVp]

Okay thanks. How about I shake up the 2 smallest ones and fill up the other three and put in fridge? Then I'll have a chance to make 3 starters I guess. I got this from a total of 3 5gal batches that I racked to secondary the same day.

[Varmintman]

Originally Posted by StinkyVp

Okay thanks. How about I shake up the 2 smallest ones and fill up the other three and put in fridge? Then I'll have a chance to make 3 starters I guess. I got this from a total of 3 5gal batches that I racked to secondary the same day.

Did you sterilize the water and jars before you put the stuff in. I ask because I get all my yeast from a brewery and once I forgot to sterilize the bottle before I gave it to them. Man you do not want to pitch infected yeast. A 5 dollar yeast pack is wayyy cheaper than a ruined batch of beer and buying a new bucket.

Just saying proceed with care

[StinkyVp]

Yep jars and water was boiled and cooled. Would I be better off just putting the whole lot in the fridge like it is?

[Varmintman]

Originally Posted by StinkyVp

Yep jars and water was boiled and cooled. Would I be better off just putting the whole lot in the fridge like it is?

Go ahead and put them in the fridge but take one and try it as a starter. I have kept them on the counter for a few days before and been alright. And a few months in the fridge and been alright.

Bottom line is if you are in doubt do not toss it in your beer. Smell it and even take a sanitized spoon and taste it. I still think you are fine but do a starter first for sure

[Calder]

I'm going to go against the collective wisdom here and say that you are probably fine straight pitching the yeast.

We cultivate yeast from bottles, many of which have sat around at room temperatures for months, occasionally years.

Yeast survives fine in starters and fermenters for weeks at room temperatures.

Yes, the viability goes down, but not much. Not having alcohol reduces the protection f=rom contamination, but of you sanitized well, you should be fine.

If you are confident in your sanitation procedures (containers and water), just drain off the water and straight pitch.