Wyeast Smack didnt break open, am I screwed?

[gatorforty]

Hey guys. I'm a newbie, doing AG BIAB 2.5 gallon batches.

I brewed a simple stout tonight...and used the Wyeast 1036 Irish ale Yeast. I smacked it and it swelled up a bit while I did my mash and boil...but maybe only half of normal. When I opened the bag to pitch it...I could clearly see that the nutrient bag was still full.

I pitched anyway, and then popped the nutrient bag and pitched it in too. What is the likelihood that I will have probs with fermentation on this one?

Anything I can do at this point?

Thanks in advance, Ron.

 

[dslater]

You'll be fine. I do starters like that all the time.

 

[sidepart]

The nutrient bag if (I remember correctly) is really just to verify that you don't have a bum batch of yeast. Should be more than enough cells for a 2.5 gallon batch of stout I'd imagine.

 

[Revvy]

From the horse's mouth.

From the Wyeast FAQ website:

3. Does the package need to be fully swollen before pitching?

No, The package can be pitched before activating, or at anytime during the activation process. The activation process "jump starts" the culture's metabolism, minimizing the lag phase.

Smacking though fun, is never really necessary.

Making the starter is all that matters, not whether or not the pack inflating. It's fine!!!
There's no need to start with a smaller starter or anything. Just proceed as normal.

Heck I rarely even bother waiting for it to inflate, I pop the nutrient pack, give it a shake, and dump it into my starter wort. Saves waiting.

 

[homebrewdad]

I had a batch where it didn't fully inflate after smacking - and once I opened it, I could clearly see the nutrient pack was unbroken.

I sanitized a knife and cut that open and dumped it in. Had an explosive fermentation (i.e. krasuen throught the blowoff tube) going in less than twelve hours.

So yeah, you'll be fine.

 

[gatorforty]

Thanks for all of the feedback guys, this forum is such a great resource.

I'm on batch number four and learning more with every one. Each one is still a bit like a child to me, and I was worried sick last night..... Hahaha.

Good news is I have a very active fermentation going right now, so I'm assuming it will be great! Thanks again.

Ron