WLP530 DOA -- can I use Safbrew BE-256 instead?

[edgarmsmith]

I pitched two packs of WLP530 Abbey Ale in a starter this morning. I was planning on a Rochefort 8 clone tomorrow. When I pitched in the starter I noticed it was dark with no white material I pitched. Fast forward almost 12 hours and there is no action whatsoever. View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1474668087.293069.jpg

The date on the yeast was June 13 and 20. Not the freshest, but not the oldest I've ever used. I'm going to let it keep spinning on the stir plate, but I don't have much confidence. My LHBS has BE-256, which is the closest I can get this weekend. Is that a good substitute, or do I need to postpone my brew day?

Thanks.

 

[kh54s10]

I would look at this yeast for a Dry yeast substitute as an alternative. If timing of of the essence for a brew day, the Dry could be used. I would not give up on the WLP350 yet, it just may take a little longer.

Check to be sure you had no fermentation in your starter. I have had some that gave little visible indication, but worked perfectly. Gravity readings, rather than visual. Though yours doesn't look clear, looking like a fresh starter, and still, does not look milky like a lot of yeast in suspension. It looks somewhere in between. Like it has started, but has a way to go yet.

 

[xpops]

did you end up going with the BE-256?? i'm in a similar boat for this weekend, but was more of an unavailability of wlp530. please let me know how you went about it, and if the BE-256 turned out to be what you had hoped! (if you used it...)

cheers,