Old Yeast - 1998

[pomofo]

In cleaning out my basement I ran across a package of M&F ale yeast with a best by date of May 1998. Must've been from my father's homebrewing days. I'm sorely tempted to try brewing with it, just for the heck of it. Has anyone tried brewing with yeast that old?

 

[TyTanium]

Personally, I would toss it.

That's a bad yeast when it's fresh, much less 14 years old. If you really want to use it for the story, use fresh yeast like normal, and just toss that in for "seasoning". Viability will be slim.

 

[COLObrewer]

If you want to use it for "nostalgic" purposes, simply make a starter and proof it. I almost guarantee you can make it work.

 

[dslater]

Why not build a starter and see what you get?

If it's not viable and you still like the taste you can dump the starter wort & dead yeast into your fermenter.

 

[jtejedor]

Not worth the effort IMO. Its either dead or whatever has taken hold will not make good beer.

 

[pomofo]

How about cider? Worth wasting a gallon of apple juice to see what'll happen?