On Monday I received two recipe kits and yeast from Austin Homewbrew Supply. Yesterday morning I smacked both yeast packs (Activator Smack Packs) to get them ready for brewing tonight. This morning, the American Wheat is swelled up like normal, and looks like its going to explode. The other, California Lager hasn't budged at all. The pack inside is definitely broken, but there is no activity at all. In the past, every time I have had a Wyeast pack not expand it was DOA.
SO I called AHBS and told them what happened and was told "they don't always expand, pitch it anyway." I suppose that could be true (but my past experience tells me otherwise). However, if I pitch it into my wort and it doesn't take off, I think I will be screwed. Austin Homebrew said "no, wort in a sealed fermentor will last for two weeks without issue."
Is this true? If I pitch, I will have to wait 72hrs to be sure it takes off. If it doesn't, then I need to order another pack and wait for it to be delivered (3~7 days). Will my wort last? Will there be off flavors?
On a side note, I was a bit disappointed with the response. I have had two DOA Wyeast packs in the past and other Brew supply places (local and online) both sent a replacement straight away.
-Todd
SO I called AHBS and told them what happened and was told "they don't always expand, pitch it anyway." I suppose that could be true (but my past experience tells me otherwise). However, if I pitch it into my wort and it doesn't take off, I think I will be screwed. Austin Homebrew said "no, wort in a sealed fermentor will last for two weeks without issue."
Is this true? If I pitch, I will have to wait 72hrs to be sure it takes off. If it doesn't, then I need to order another pack and wait for it to be delivered (3~7 days). Will my wort last? Will there be off flavors?
On a side note, I was a bit disappointed with the response. I have had two DOA Wyeast packs in the past and other Brew supply places (local and online) both sent a replacement straight away.
-Todd