Too Earlt to Worry?

[kmk1012]

I "smacked" a Smack Pack (Wyeast 2035) 24 hours ago in preperation for my starter tonight. It has not swelled at all, I'm brewing a Lager on Saturday and feel like I'm running out of time. It is in my ferm chamber at a steady 65F.

 

[Stauffbier]

Did you make sure it "smacked" right?

 

[kmk1012]

Of course, I thought that I hadn't when I realized it had not taken off yet. But upon further inspection it was "smacked". Should I go ahead with my starter using this yeast or just scrap it for another week?

 

[Stauffbier]

Try making the starter and see if the yeast propagate, meanwhile order some dry yeast packs for ale and lager and keep them in the fridge for back-up...

 

[kmk1012]

I already bought another yeast packet, coincidentally the original pack swelled up. Looks like a 12 gallon brew day tomorrow! Will be my first, at least I'm prepared this time.

 

[ghpeel]

Not to cause you alarm, but a single inflated pouch of wyeast is nowhere near enough yeast for a lager. You need probably 4 times the # of cells you're pitching. if it were me, I'd delay brewing by a few more days and make a real starter from the swollen yeast package.

 

[mcaple1]

that sounds like a dead pack....get some dry yeast backup