I was searching around to see how other brewers were making out with the new White Labs packing and came across this thread. While I haven't experienced the same issue as the OP, I haven't been thrilled with the opening process of the new packaging.
I am on my 5th brew using the new WL Pure Pitch packaging. I recently went back and listened to the Beersmith podcast (#86) and I definitely hear what Dr. White is trying to say about limiting how much they handle the yeast and growing the culture in it's final home, it sounds like a great idea.
Like a lot of other brewers, I too worry about the extra layer of packaging and what might lie between the layers. The first package I tried to open was a colossal failure, I cut the package where it shows the dotted line and yeast started billowing out of the package, a la the old vial tubes which would do the same thing after having shook it to get the yeast into suspension. Anyway, I threw away that package and decided to cut the next one right at the top of the package but I was trying to cut right on the seam and my scissors weren't up to the task, fortunately I didn't actually cut into the inner package so I decided to regroup before wasting another $7.00 culture.
I have decided the best manner for me to open these packages is as follows: I remove the outer package by carefully piercing it and then tearing it away which exposes the inner package. Once the inner package is exposed, I find it much easier to sanitize and cut one layer of packaging instead of two. I basically use my index and middle finger to create a clamp and cut above that. It still takes a hefty pair of scissors but it can be done. I still make every effort to cut along the very top of the pouch to give the expanding yeast as much room as possible, even then I find some of it spewing. I've made the choice to open the package over the top of my sanitized funnel going into the flask and then use the starter wort to wash any 'spewage' from the funnel into the flask. It certainly doesn't feel too great but 5 batches in and I'm still drinking some nice beers so I guess I've avoided issues thus far.
While this is rather annoying it isn't enough for me to write-off White Labs products. I trust they'll continue working on this project to distribute the best product they possibly can.
