oh no, smacked my yeast, now in trouble

[Pelican521]

Like a dummy, I didn't check over my instructions to my extract kit and just smacked my yeast pack. I assumed they all do a partial boil with 2.5 gallons and my small kettle has worked fine for this amount.

My 4 gallon pot was fine for a 2.5 gallon partial boil but needless to say, I need to upgrade to a bigger kettle...

How long do I have now that I smacked my yeast and what are my options?

 

[ooze_ale]

I'd pop it in the fridge to hopefully keep the little yeasties asleep due to the cold temp.

 

[jflongo]

I would assume you can put it in the fridge for a few days, they should go dormant, then bring it back to room temp when you are ready. But more of a yeast expert can chime in here.

 

[Pelican521]

Thc for the quick replies. Sad to say, brew day has been postponed today

I suppose ill just pick up another pack for piece of mind until I get my new brew kettle. Id rather pay 7 bucks on a new pack than ruin my 65 dollar Racer 5 clone kit.

Oh well...

 

[unionrdr]

So what did the instructions say that made you wait for a bigger BK? Most kits are partial boil?...

 

[Pelican521]

I know union, that's what I thought. This one however requires a 3.5 gal boil. That's fine by me, should make a better quality beer with the larger quantity for the boil. They said the recipe was spot on.

 

[unionrdr]

My 20QT 5 gallon SSBK could handle that easilly. Just did yesterday afternoon. Get a 5 gallon SS stock pot somwhere local & it'll serve you well for quite some time. Keep the smak pack in the fridge till you get one. Then take it out & toss it on the counter to warm up till brew is ready for it.

 

[schokie]

You could also make a yeast starter with it. That only takes 10-15 mins. It's a good idea anyway and will only make your beer better. It also gives the yeast something useful to do for a few days.

 

[BrewKnurd]

No reason not to throw that yeast in the fridge and use it when you're ready to brew.

 

[Pelican521]

How long will it last in the fridge now that I broke the inner pouch?

 

[LLBeanJ]

How long will it last in the fridge now that I broke the inner pouch?

Just as long as it would have lasted if you hadn't broke the inner pouch.

 

[Klickmania]

Just as long as it would have lasted if you hadn't broke the inner pouch.

+1 This. That pack is just a nutrient to proof the yeast. Basically it's only there to make sure they are active and viable.