Did the yeast make the trip?

[lambo1274]

I ordered a kit from AHS but didn't get the pack to keep the yeast cool. They recommend the pack for shipping during the summer months but I didn't think I would need it. Now I'm a little paranoid. Is there a way to test a small amount of the yeast to make sure it is still alive or am I overly-concerned?

 

[Skep18]

I'm assuming its a liquid yeast? I would imagine dry yeast is much less susceptible to being ruined by heat, at least in comparison to liquid yeast.

Assuming it is a liquid yeast, is it Wyeast? If so, when you smack the smack pack, it should puff up over the next few hours. If no puff for like a day, you're yeast is probably bad. If it does puff, or is not Wyeast, I would still make a starter. If it ferments well, you're in good shape. If you're paranoid, step up the starter for more cells. That's what I would do. That's a cheap, easy check to see if you've got good yeast.

 

[AZBeerNut]

If you're paranoid, step up the starter for more cells. That's what I would do. That's a cheap, easy check to see if you've got good yeast.

I just typed pretty much this... before I read Skep's response. Good advice right there -- edited to quote him instead.

 

[vNmd]

The cold pack is a small gel freezer pack. There is no sort of insulation around the cold pack and the yeast like when you buy frozen food that ships with and arrives with dry ice. I can't imagine the "cold pack" is very cold when the delivery guy picks it up (couple hours it will be warm). I think they are kind of gimmik'y to give the people a piece of mind about their purchase. I have shipped yeast before and they have been ok (when using a starter), but I do try to purchase yeast locally if it is available.

 

[lambo1274]

The yeast is White Labs Cream Ale Blend WLP080. Not sure if it's dry or liquid.

 

[duboman]

The yeast is White Labs Cream Ale Blend WLP080. Not sure if it's dry or liquid.

That would be liquid and you should make a starter to both ensure viability of the yeast as well as ensuring you are pitching the proper amount of yeast for the kit.

A starter is basically a small, low gravity beer using DME, water and the yeast. You can visit http://wwww.mrmalty.com or www.yeastcalc.com to find your desired pitch rate as well as learn about starters.