% viability of yeast delivered hot

[flars]

I was shipped a package of WY 1056 American Ale. The yeast pack when received was hot as was the shipping chiller. The yeast was shipped early 8/25. Received yeast late afternoon on 8/27. What per cent of the yeast would you consider to be still viable for calculating a starter?

 

[Veronis]

Impossible to say, unfortunately. Summer temps don't generally kill yeast. Some affect on viability, sure, but the cold pack was working for at least part of that trip.

If it were mine, I'd smack it, wait three hours for the swell, then dump it into a starter. ~1L for an OG around 1.06 or less should be fine; if it's a bigger beer, make a bigger starter.

 

[kh54s10]

How hot is hot? Yeast absolutely love temperatures into the 90's. I think 140 is quoted often as being the top limit. I doubt you have any problem at all. Make a proper sized starter and good to go.

As to what to put into the calculator - go by the production date.

 

[flars]

How hot is hot? Yeast absolutely love temperatures into the 90's. I think 140 is quoted often as being the top limit. I doubt you have any problem at all. Make a proper sized starter and good to go.

As to what to put into the calculator - go by the production date.

I didn't use the Thermopen to check actual temperature. The chill pack was much warmer than the 110° water I use for bread yeast. Yeast pack felt a little cooler. I used 80% viability and the production date to calculate starter size. Plan an Amber Ale for tomorrow.

1.5 quart starter for the 1.047 Amber Ale.

Thank you.