I have about 8 wyeast activator packs that I have had sitting in my fridge for about a year. Im wondering if they are still good to use considering the due date is past by about a year now.
I'd say make a starter and find out? If they're no good then you're just out a little time and some DME. If they're good, then you've saved some $$ on new yeast.
I just used one from september with a starter with no problems. The starter took a few more hours to start than usual, but in the beer, it worked like normal.
They are probably not going to be good without a starter, and a starter will take longer to get going than it would with a fresh pack. I'd make a small starter, say 1 pint, and then step it up to the required volume after 3 - 4 days.