How long can wyeast sit before use?

[HooSteenTheGonz]

I smacked my yeast at about 1:30 pm. Would it be okay to use it at 12am?

 

[duboman]

I smacked my yeast at about 1:30 pm. Would it be okay to use it at 12am?

Once smacked it is best to be used within 24 hours. If something came up and you couldn't use it you can always put it back in the fridge until your ready and then let it re-warm.

IMO and ideally whenever you use liquid yeast you should be making a starter anyways.

 

[HooSteenTheGonz]

How would I go about making a starter?

 

[Olive Drab]

i just used one a week after smacking and it was bubbling within a few hours. I also used a 26 month old yeast pack with no issues after creating a small starter https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f163/26-month-old-yeast-pack-works-316670/

 

[HooSteenTheGonz]

A whole week?! Dang. I have one that I smacked about 36 hrs ago. It didn't fully expand so I never used it. Instead I bought a different yeast and within an hr and a half it swelled right up!

 

[duboman]

http://www.whitelabs.com/beer/homebrew_FAQ.html

How would I go about making a starter?