Smack pack question???

[kswim612]

I received a new extract kit yesterday from northern brewer with a smack pack addition (American ale 1056, I believe). It seemed like it was already partially inflated. I've only use one smack pack before and that one was completely flat when I received it. Should I report it to NB to try to get a new one? I'm not planning to brew for another week or two and I don't want dead yeast or a busy pack when I go to use it. Is this situation normal?


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[Hello]

It is warm and the packs are likely to inflate a bit. It is not that it is ideal but I bet the next one will come exactly the same. You can contact NB and ask all the same for peace of mind, but I think the next one will come exactly the same.

What is the date on the pack? You should make a starter regardless.

 

[Foosier]

I totally agree with Hello. Don't worry too much about it. Just make a starter with it. You really need to make a starter to get the best performance out of the yeast anyway. I know it says it has enough to innoculate a 5 gallon batch, but you will be amazed at how much better your beers turn out when you use a starter.

 

[dwDrummer]

I recently received two packs of 1056 from Northern Brewer in the same condition. It was a bit difficult to burst the nutrient pack that is inside given the inflated condition it was in, but once I managed that both packs swelled and then fermented properly.

 

[flars]

Use a starter calculator like these. The size of the starter will be based on the production date of the yeast. Viability of yeast decreases each day after production even under perfect conditions.

http://www.mrmalty.com/yeast-tools.php
http://www.brewersfriend.com/yeast-pitch-rate-and-starter-calculator/

These sites also have a wealth of information about yeast.