Is my kit too old to brew? Received in May

[sverige82]

I purchase an Oatmeal Stout kit in May from Austin Homebrew. The yeast has been stored in the refrigerator since. However, the expiration date says September 2009. The malt and everything else has been stored in the dark, in a closet.

Should i still brew this? Should i purchase new yeast?

Any info is greatly appreciated....

 

[Revvy]

Well it's still september, and the year is still 2009, isn't it?

It'll be fine, especially since you had the foresight to store the yeast in the fridge.

If it's liquid yeast, just be sure to make a starter for it.

 

[david_42]

Dates on yeast are more of a "best before" date than an expiration date, but you can always make a starter to be certain.

 

[imprez25]

I brewed a wheat beer ealier this summer with a kit that was at least 3 years old. It came out good. A little darker than it should have been, but it tasted good. I did buy new yeast for it.

I'm sure you will be fine with using a kit that is "best before" this month.

I think the rule about dumping beer applies to "potential beer" too.