Wyeast activation time

[slogger]

Does it really require 3 hours for the yeast to activate?

 

[boo boo]

I made a starter last week out of a pack I had in my fridge since 2009. Took 2 days for it to swell at all, and I pitched it to a starter and it took off in 3 days.
So it can take a while, but be patient and do it right. Your beer will thank you for it.

 

[Grumpybumpy]

Every wyeast package I've used has expanded considerably in 3 hours. During those 3 hours I've sanitized, prepped the ingredients, boiled, and cooled. It's just nice to know if the little guys are alive and well.

I'm more curious as to why you're asking this question.

 

[JWink]

I usually just smack mine before I start brewing. So it sits maybe 2 hours and usually swells up pretty good. Once i'm close to being cooled down I will shake the pack up a bit and then it really swells.

 

[slogger]

Every wyeast package I've used has expanded considerably in 3 hours. During those 3 hours I've sanitized, prepped the ingredients, boiled, and cooled. It's just nice to know if the little guys are alive and well.

I'm more curious as to why you're asking this question.

I'm asking because I just remembered to activate the pack and I've begun the boil. I guess I can let the wort sit in the ale pale, covered for a while if needed to? And the add the yeast when 3 hours have gone by?

 

[Grumpybumpy]

I think the main thing is to make sure your yeast has come to room temp. I suppose you can wait while it hangs in the pale, but there's a slightly bigger risk of contamination if it's in there for an hour without pitching. Not much though. More experienced brewers should chime in on this.

I'd think in an hour and a half they should be to temp so you could pitch as soon as your wort is in the fermenter.

I think you'll be alright either way.

 

[beergolf]

Full swelling of Activator™ packages is not required for their use. The contents of Activator™ packages may be direct-pitched without prior activation. Our smack pack technology is intended to be a tool for your use in determining viability, and in initiating metabolism for faster starts to fermentation.

From the Wyeast website.....

 

[slogger]

From the Wyeast website.....

Very nice! Thanks for your reply and pardon my laziness but I'm boiling in the garage and working from my smartphone. Thanks again!