Wyeast package arrived somewhat expanded

[JohanTheMighty]

I ordered some wyeast online, and when the package arrived in the "insulated" box everything was kinda warm and one of my liquid yeast packs started expanding... enough so that I could stand the package up on my counter. I can feel the nutrient pack, and it doesn't appear to be compromised. Can I still use this, or do I need to complain to the vendor?

 

[flars]

Some swelling of the package is normal with most of the yeasts. Often it is just the release of CO2. Go with the same size starter that you would normally use for the brew.

 

[Gavin C]

Use it. Make your starter as normal and you''ll have no worries.

Some strains don't stay quiet in the pack in the heat of transit.

I got a 1056 from NB just like that. Puffed up like a ballon. It performed well with the appropriate starter.

That was the last time I ordered yeast in the mail, though I'm fortunate in that my LHBS has everything I could want in yeast.

http://www.txbrewing.com

Edit: Hello to a fellow Irvingite (is that the right term?).

 

[lumpher]

as long as the package was still sealed, it's ok. with the temps we've been having here in the metroplex ( 15-20 miles from you ), it'll still be ok

 

[JohanTheMighty]

So, how do I break the nutrient pack in an already expanding package? I seem unable to hit it with enough force to break it without risking having the entire package explode. Should I just forego this step?

 

[JohanTheMighty]

I got a 1056 from NB just like that.

Edit: Hello to a fellow Irvingite (is that the right term?).

That's ironic, because my yeast that swelled in the package was... 1056.

And I believe Irvingite is appropriate, though I'm beginning to wonder if it should be renamed to something more appropriate, like "San Andreas".

 

[kh54s10]

So, how do I break the nutrient pack in an already expanding package? I seem unable to hit it with enough force to break it without risking having the entire package explode. Should I just forego this step?

Provided that you are making a starter (which you should be doing for all but the lowest gravity beers) you don't really even need the nutrient. I usually fish it out with well sanitized tools then open it and add it to my starter.

 

[flars]

Add the nutrient after you pour the yeast into the starter wort. Sanitize the entire package and your scissors. Keep your scissors sanitary while you work the nutrient pack to the cut corner of the yeast pouch, to cut it open.

 

[Gavin C]

That's ironic, because my yeast that swelled in the package was... 1056.

And I believe Irvingite is appropriate, though I'm beginning to wonder if it should be renamed to something more appropriate, like "San Andreas".

When i called NB about it they assured me all would be fine and that owing to the very high turnover of this product and the yeast's freshness, expanded packages were common.

Back then I didn't have much in the way of yeast knowledge so accepted their explanation. I'm not sure I follow the reasoning though.

Like I said, the yeast performed well for a couple of batches, using a starter and subsequent harvest of the slurry.

 

[JohanTheMighty]

When i called NB about it they assured me all would be fine and that owing to the very high turnover of this product and the yeast's freshness, expanded packages were common.

Back then I didn't have much in the way of yeast knowledge so accepted their explanation. I'm not sure I follow the reasoning though.

Like I said, the yeast performed well for a couple of batches, using a starter and subsequent harvest of the slurry.

Williams Brewing gave me a similar explanation. They said it's a very active yeast and it's not uncommon for them to arrive somewhat swelled. Being as I purchased the warranty box, they're going to 2-day me another package anyway. I'm thinking I'll use this with a Munton's kit I have.

 

[Gavin C]

Williams Brewing gave me a similar explanation. They said it's a very active yeast and it's not uncommon for them to arrive somewhat swelled. Being as I purchased the warranty box, they're going to 2-day me another package anyway. I'm thinking I'll use this with a Munton's kit I have.

Win-win.

That's some quality customer service.

As a side note. That LHBS I linked earlier has a great selection of everything. It's over in Haltom City so not too far from us in Irving. I'm not affiliated just a happy customer, always blown away by their level of service.

Love going there.

 

[JohanTheMighty]

Win-win.

That's some quality customer service.

As a side note. That LHBS I linked earlier has a great selection of everything. It's over in Haltom City so not too far from us in Irving. I'm not affiliated just a happy customer, always blown away by their level of service.

Love going there.

I go to Homebrew HeadQuarters on Coit Road in Richardson because it's close to my workplace and they give you advice over the phone if needed. Good guys, but I'll check out the place in Haltom next time I'm Fort Worth bound.

 

[Gavin C]

I go to Homebrew HeadQuarters on Coit Road in Richardson because it's close to my workplace and they give you advice over the phone if needed. Good guys, but I'll check out the place in Haltom next time I'm Fort Worth bound.

yeah, we're pretty much spoiled for choice here in the DFW sprawl

 

[JohanTheMighty]

yeah, we're pretty much spoiled for choice here in the DFW sprawl

We really are, aren't we? Good location for home brewing for sure!