Question on 2 month old slurry

[Yesfan]

I'm doing a 2.5 gallon batch and found some W34/70 slurry from a beer I did on Nov 3. It's been in cold storage in my kegerator since then. I thought about decanting the wort and pitching that at the end of the brew day. This is going in a 4.6% pale ale recipe. Thoughts?

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Should be fine if there's no grey in the yeast. That said - I've had it work that old without a starter. I've also had one fail that was younger. I would make a starter for it and/or have a back-up yeast in case it doesn't take off.

 

[Yesfan]

I've got a back up packet of W34/70 (one left) and 2-3 US-05.

You mentioned a grey layer. Like, how grey? I had a jar at one time that had a bit of a purplish/grey layer on top. I chucked it thinking it was contaminated or too many dead cells, etc.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

I've got a back up packet of W34/70 (one left) and 2-3 US-05.

You mentioned a grey layer. Like, how grey? I had a jar at one time that had a bit of a purplish/grey layer on top. I chucked it thinking it was contaminated or too many dead cells, etc.

Very grey. I don't know what is going on with it, scientifically, but I haven't had good luck when they start to turn color from beige/brown. I have been able to save a couple by going beneath the grey layer.

 

[Yesfan]

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[t^3]

There was another recent thread on old slurry. It never mentioned the grey stuff. I have seen that before and didn't risk using it. I hope someone with more information on the grey stuff chimes in.