A few weeks ago I started a ten gallon batch of mead with Cote Des Blanc yeast (just purchased) and another five gallon batch with D47 (age unknown, but at least one year old refrigerated, maybe more ...), both well nourished and pH adjusted to around 3.7. The D47 batch never took off while the Cote batch progressed normally. So I took 5 gallons from the Cote batch and put it in the other. Sure enough, it began to ferment, but is going slowly due to low yeast population it would seem. Will the yeast colonize quickly enough on their own or would it be better to pitch more to get the numbers up quicker?
Last, is there any sort of consensus on how long yeast stay good (unopened) in the fridge? I guess from now on I will err on the side of caution.
Thanks in advance.
Last, is there any sort of consensus on how long yeast stay good (unopened) in the fridge? I guess from now on I will err on the side of caution.
Thanks in advance.