Wyeast smacking

[Zoltan]

I'm making a high-gravity beer (1.078) that calls for two packages of yeast. The Wyeast I bought came in "smack packs" where you're supposed to break open a packet of nutrient inside to give the yeast a head start. My packs were swollen with gas such that the smacking could not be accomplished, so I went ahead and pitched the yeast after fishing out the intact nutrient pack and discarding it. Was this OK? I was surprised by how relatively little yeast there seemed to be given the size of the package. Is Wyeast relying on the smacking to multiply the yeast so they can sell you less yeast?

 

[mac_1103]

Was this OK?

If you believe what they say in their FAQs, yes. My guess is that a lot of people would tell you not to believe what they say in their FAQs. How fresh the packs were might be the most important thing. I'd get some more yeast ready to pitch if I were you.

I was surprised by how relatively little yeast there seemed to be given the size of the package. Is Wyeast relying on the smacking to multiply the yeast so they can sell you less yeast?

I believe that the purpose of the smack pack is to prove viability and improve vitality. It's basically a mini-vitality starter in a mylar bag. I don't think there is either enough time or enough fermentables to get significant multiplication.

 

[Zoltan]

Thanks for the pointer to the FAQ. That's reassuring. Looks like I asked this same question a couple of batches ago(!), and things turned out OK. The use-by date was January, 2025.

The fresh yeast business seems like a hassle and expense. Is there a discussion somewhere of dried-yeast equivalents?

 

[mac_1103]

Is there a discussion somewhere of dried-yeast equivalents?

There a lots of them. Perhaps too many. Hard to keep 'em straight. I personally have found @dmtaylor's yeast master quite helpful, but I don't think he would claim that it's perfect or anything.

 

[dmtaylor]

There a lots of them. Perhaps too many. Hard to keep 'em straight. I personally have found @dmtaylor's yeast master quite helpful, but I don't think he would claim that it's perfect or anything.

It’s not perfect. But in my biased opinion as well as the opinion of others, it’s about as close as you’re going to get anywhere. At least that is my intent.

 

[jschein]

It’s not perfect. But in my biased opinion as well as the opinion of others, it’s about as close as you’re going to get anywhere. At least that is my intent.

And you do it well, thanks!
I have used it multiple times