Smack Pack-- how long?

I'm hoping to brew my first batch this weekend. I received my kit from NB last week during the high temps, and even packed against an ice pack, both the Wyeast pouch and the "ice" pack were warm. My question, is it too early to smack today (Thursday) for brewing Sat or Sun in hopes of assuring my yeast is ok?

Thanks in advance for all your help, been reading a few weeks now and already feel like I've gained much knowledge! You all rock :rockin:

Smack it today and make a starter for the weekend. This way you know if it is viable or not.

depends on if it is an activator pack or not. the activators have a ton of cells in them and can explode if smacked and left at room temp for too long...

I typically smack mine on Thursday morning, make a starter Thursday night, and brew on Saturday.

If you don't want to make a starter though, wait and smack the night before you brew.

It is an activator pack, does that do away with the need for a starter?

jdp213 said:

It is an activator pack, does that do away with the need for a starter?

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A starter is not neccesary but still highly recommended. Without a starter you will most likely have a longer lag time, 24 hours plus would be typical, and you may end up with a slightly higher FG when all is said and done.

That said, you'll be fine if you just smack it the night before and pitch it in.

^^^ what he said.

TheJadedDog said:

A starter is not neccesary but still highly recommended. Without a starter you will most likely have a longer lag time, 24 hours plus would be typical, and you may end up with a slightly higher FG when all is said and done.

That said, you'll be fine if you just smack it the night before and pitch it in.

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I would still recommend a starter. Its a good habit to get into, and i think is even more important with your situation. A starter will get your count up, you will have less lag time, and you should hit your target FG. Its not hard at all. Do a search and you will find a ton of how-to's.

If you decide to just smack it, let it expand, and then pitch it...make sure you thoroughly oxygenate your wort.