using expired white labs yeast

I just checked an order I received a few days ago. One of the yeast is dated Nov 12, 2012 the other is a lager yeast and I ordered a hefeweizen yeast. I always make a starter. Will it be ok to use the out of date yeast? I've contacted the company and don't want to say who messed it up until they have a chance to correct this. But if the out of date yeast isn't useable it will mean no brewing on my day off tomorrow I just hope the malt I ordered is correct.

 

It should be ok - pitch into your starter, and as long as you see evidence of activity, should be good to go...

 

White Labs FAQ suggests making a starter whenever using yeast past the date on the label. Check out their FAQ http://www.whitelabs.com/beer/homebrew_FAQ.html
You may experience some lag time in fermentation, but it will be fine to use.

 

Double check that it isn't the manufactured date that you are looking at. I've never used white labs yeast but I know that wyeast stamps the manufactured date on the packs.