Cold Yeast

[Bopper]

What would be the result of pitching yeast straight from the refrigerator rather than warming it to room temp for a few hours? Just a question to satisfy my curiosity.

 

[Prost!]

What would be the result of pitching yeast straight from the refrigerator rather than warming it to room temp for a few hours? Just a question to satisfy my curiosity.

It will probably still work, but you'll get a much slower start and possibly allow wild yeast and other kooties to get a toe hold in your batch. That may stress the yeast and give you off flavors. You could also shock the yeast and kill it if the wort hasn't cooled sufficiently. It's no trouble to warm yeast to room temperature whether it's a starter or just a vial, so I wouldn't risk it by pitching cold. I know I wouldn't want to see Trevor Hoffman start the top of the 8th without a warm up. It's just asking for trouble. Hell's bells!

 

[Mudd]

From White Labs FAQ:
How should I store my yeast?

Yeast should be stored in the refrigerator prior to use. Remove the yeast from the refrigerator approximately two to six hours before pitching and allow the yeast to come up to room temperature. The reason for this is to prevent a temperature shock when the yeast is pitched.

 

[Pearl]

If the yeast is stored in the refrigerator,does it still produce it's effectiveness?