A Tale Of Two Nottinghams.

[UpstateMike]

Went to the LHBS looking for Nottingham yeast for an upcoming cider. I was a bit confused when I saw what i believe to be the same product, but packaged differently.

Nottingham #1 was loose in the package, and looked like this:

Nottingham #2 was vacuum sealed, and looked like this:

I couldn't see any date codes on either pack, so I don't know if one is an older style or not. I'm leaning towards getting the vacuum sealed pack, but I'd like to hear from others on the board before I buy.

Please note that these are only pics I found on the net, not the actual product I saw. The Nottingham #1 I saw did not have a date code like the one in the pic.

 

[jspence1]

The vacuum sealed yeast is the new packaging. it will have a date on the opposite side shown at the bottom.


Edit the packaging was changed because the printing method sometimes put holes in the package causing the yeast to perform poorly.

 

[PortlandPatrick]

Brand-New Package, Same Great Yeast. | Danstar Premium Beer Yeasts - The Dry Yeast Advantage

 

[Revvy]

Edit the packaging was changed because the printing method sometimes put holes in the package causing the yeast to perform poorly.

So THAT was the final answer to the Notty issue a few years back, printing pin holes?

Wow I hadn't heard. I just new it came back in a new package.

 

[PortlandPatrick]

So THAT was the final answer to the Notty issue a few years back, printing pin holes?

Wow I hadn't heard. I just new it came back in a new package.

In the link above, the manufacturer didn't come right out and say that there were packaging problems, per se, but that that they switched from nitrogen-flushed to vacuum-sealed sachets because (emphasis mine):

"Dry brewing yeast needs to be stored in an environment with the lowest level of oxygen possible in order to retain its performance characteristics. Any oxygen can accelerate yeast metabolic activity, shortening its shelf life and affecting its fermentation characteristics. As age, agitation during transportation, and changes in atmospheric pressure occur, oxygen can enter through package seams & materials and build up inside the yeast. Conventional “nitrogen-flushed” sachets give no indication of the nature of the atmosphere inside the package, so there is no way to know the level of oxygen in any package. Our new vacuum-sealing method absolutely minimizes packaged air & moisture while giving the user a visible and tactile assurance that the package is airtight. If the vacuum is compromised, brewers will be able to detect the change in package from tightly-packed to loose, giving them an indication there may be air inside and indicating the yeast may not be usable. No other homebrewing yeast product offers this extra layer of product assurance.
Our new vacuum-sealed sachets are produced using a unique packaging system commissioned specifically for our brewing yeast products. This system is highly labor-intensive, with each sachet inspected immediately after sealing, resulting in the highest degree of consistency possible. We also test samples of every packaged yeast batch not just immediately after packaging but throughout its rated shelf life. We feel this level of reliability is important to brewers, and we are working hard to offer products that set the standard for reliability & performance with every batch."​

 

[UpstateMike]

Thanks for the info. Makes me wonder how old the non-vacuum sealed packs really are.

 

[azscoob]

Thanks for the info. Makes me wonder how old the non-vacuum sealed packs really are.

I used a properly kept old a$$ packet of notty in my English Mild that took first place this past year in the HBT comp. as long as it was stored well and wasn't a compromised packet, there is a good chance it will work for you.

 

[Pappers_]

I used a properly kept old a$$ packet of notty in my English Mild that took first place this past year in the HBT comp. as long as it was stored well and wasn't a compromised packet, there is a good chance it will work for you.

Yesterday, I pitched one of the old style Nottingham's into an IPA and signs of fermentation were visible in less than 24 hours.

I also have a new style Danstar Windsor going in a Cream Stout and it took off very quickly.

 

[Tamarlane]

I have a packet of the old non-vacuum notty that has been in my fridge for like two+ years, with a best-by date of June 2011...should be viable then? I wasn't planning on using it in anything I was too invested in.

I love the new vacuum packs though. And only $1.75/pack at my LHBS, I had heard the price was going to be going up to the $4.00 range, I guess that was BS

 

[UpstateMike]

I have a packet of the old non-vacuum notty that has been in my fridge for like two+ years, with a best-by date of June 2011...should be viable then? I wasn't planning on using it in anything I was too invested in.

Make a yeast starter with it. If it works, pitch it in some cider.

I love the new vacuum packs though. And only $1.75/pack at my LHBS, I had heard the price was going to be going up to the $4.00 range, I guess that was BS

One LHBS has it for $1.85 (when they stock it) and another has it for $3.25 (They always have it).

 

[CvilleKevin]

It is 4 bucks here. For $1.75/pack, I'll get some next time I am in Tampa. What LHBS?

I used one of the new Notty packs last Fall and got the fastest start ever for Notty - 5 hours at 65F until it was bubbling the airlock, compared to 24 hours usually with the old Notty packs.

Gervins English Ale yeast was an even faster start - 4hrs. I'm pretty sure it is the same yeast strain as Notty, just different packaging and still reasonably priced

 

[Tamarlane]

It is 4 bucks here. For $1.75/pack, I'll get some next time I am in Tampa. What LHBS?

I used one of the new Notty packs last Fall and got the fastest start ever for Notty - 5 hours at 65F until it was bubbling the airlock, compared to 24 hours usually with the old Notty packs.

Gervins English Ale yeast was an even faster start - 4hrs. I'm pretty sure it is the same yeast strain as Notty, just different packaging and still reasonably priced

Southern Brewing on Nebraska Ave (used to be on Busch Blvd in an industrial park)

I also got a very quick start with the newer packs, I don't know if it was just a fresher pack or if it is due to the new packaging. I am accustomed to waiting at least 24 hours for this yeast to kick into gear, it was going strong in like 8 hours this time.

 

[UpstateMike]

Just scored Nottingham VacPacs at $1.49 each, expire date is July 2013!
Sunset Hydroponics, 8053 Route 96, Victor NY 14564

 

[weirdboy]

Just scored Nottingham VacPacs at $1.49 each, expire date is July 2013!
Sunset Hydroponics, 8053 Route 96, Victor NY 14564

Just out of curiosity, what is a hydroponics store doing selling yeast?

 

[UpstateMike]

Just out of curiosity, what is a hydroponics store doing selling yeast?

They added "& Home Brewing" to their official name about a year ago, but most people just call them Sunset Hydro.

 

[liquidavalon]

It is 4 bucks here.

Same price here in Oregon. I have only used the new packaging one.

 

[liquidavalon]

Just out of curiosity, what is a hydroponics store doing selling yeast?

From the Internet research that I did...it looks like it is used in building a homemade C02 generator...check this link out for more 411.

Build A Homemade Co2 Generator Cheaply