Wyeast

[dustinolsen84]

Does anyone know how long Wyeast will last once swollen? I can't brew until Thursday and it's ready. Am I o

 

[Rjppunk]

Some wyeast will swell from shipping, manufacturer recommends putting in the fridge when you get it to bring back down. If you popped the nutrient pack, why not make a starter? Would take maybe a half hour

 

[IslandLizard]

+1 ^

If you're brewing a 3 gallon batch or larger over 1.030-1.035, you'll need to build up your yeast count by making a starter. A cleaned and well-sanitized 1/2 gallon glass pickle jar on the counter will do fine for now. It's the road to better beer.

 

[dustinolsen84]

I have never made a starter. How would I do that?

 

[Rjppunk]

They're quite simple! The yeast companies usually post how to's on their website, and Palmer posts a good guide on his web book. I usually boil a heavy 1 L of water with 1/2 cup of dry malt extract for 15 mins, pour into a sanitized flask, or 0.5 gal container, cool to the yeast recommended temp, and pitch. Then cover with sanitized aluminum foil. Your yeast comes with a nutrient pack so you're all set there. Just give it a healthy shake every now and then and keep at room temp out of sunlight. Should be ready for Thursday!

 

[flars]

starter size, if you need one, is based on yeast age/viability, estimated og of the beer, and the pitch rate required. a calculator will help you out.
http://www.brewersfriend.com/yeast-pitch-rate-and-starter-calculator/

lagers and high gravity beers require much higher pitch rates.

some general information on wyeasts site for more information.
http://www.wyeastlab.com/hb_makingastarter.cfm