What to do with this yeast...

neumann · Oct 8, 2009

I've got a vial of White Labs WLP810 San Francisco Lager Yeast that has a use by date of 10/10/09. I'm not in the position to brew with it right now. Should I leave it in the fridge until I can use it (could be months) or should i make a starter up and store it from the starter?

cvstrat · Oct 8, 2009

I suppose you COULD make a starter and try and store it. I'd definately not use it that far past it's date. It'd probably work, but who knows. For a 6 dollar vial of yeast, I'd probably give it away or throw it out (gasp!). I just don't see how any extra effort of chance of spoiling a batch is worth $6 bucks.

Freezeblade · Oct 8, 2009

DO NOT THROW IT OUT. As long as you make a starter, the yeast should be fine in it's original packaging (kept at fridge temps) for many months past it's "use by" date.

Bsquared · Oct 8, 2009

+1 with freezeblade, no way toss that. The yeast will be fine for at least a few more months. That use date is assuming you will pitch directly from the vial. Your viability will be lower , but it should be plenty if you plan on making a starter. Just make it a little bigger than you normally would.

SporkD2 · Oct 8, 2009

If your going to throw it out, please send it to me

neumann · Oct 8, 2009

I had no plan on throwing it out. Figured that I would do a starter before I used it and if it didn't take of, I'd pick up another vial. It could be February or March before I get I chame to use it though. Thanks for the input.

Kungpaodog · Oct 8, 2009

I'd save it as is instead of making a starter now and a starter before you pitch. The way I see it that would double your chances of contamination, and as long as you make a starter before you pitch when you brew next, there will certainly be enough yeast to build up to a good pitching rate. Yeast are very hardy, and as long as you are as sanitary/sterile as possible, you will be fine.

Lefty · Oct 9, 2009

Absolutely make a starter. As long as it is kept cool then it "should" be fine. If you pitch in a starter and it does not work, you are only out a bit of DME. You should be fine.