Year old washed yeast?

[FSR402]

I have 4 or 5 jars in my kezzer with wlp300 yeast that I washed from a brew last summer (about July). They have been sitting at 40 (got near 32 this winter before I put a light in there) so I figure they "may" still be good.

I have freind that wants to remake my Strawberry Heffe (this was the same brew I used this yeas for) but he's cheap (read broke) and I was thinking I could save him a few bucks by pitching this yeast. Maybe use all of it to make sure there is enough good boys in there.

What do you think? Use it or not?

 

[Passload]

Make a starter and see if comes to life. Not that much to loose being a year old.

 

[Fingers]

Make a starter and see if comes to life. Not that much to loose being a year old.

+1. If it's off you'll be able to smell it in the starter or even in the jar when you open it.

 

[Alamo_Beer]

I just brewed a Kolsch with year old yeast. It took a bit longer for the starter to get going and I pitched another jar into after maybe 2 days (not sure I needed to do that now). The batch fermented out fine.....

 

[FSR402]

Maybe I'll do that Friday night. If it's going I'll pitch it in. If not, he's getting dry yeast...

 

[homebrewer_99]

Smell and taste will help you decide if it's bad or not.

As long as your equipment was sanitized and sealed well there should be no problems with it. Just make a starter.

 

[ohiobrewtus]

I've had success with a couple strains that were dormant for about 10 months. The yeast won't be as viable, but I'm guessing that if you make a good sized starter that you will be fine.