Yeast advice needed!

[UKFreak]

Hey, folks! A couple of times now I've needed a little extra yeast to kick-start a lazy batch & have just ordered extra of whatever strain the recipe called for. But I was wondering if there was a particular, somewhat neutral strain if dry yeast (both ale & lager) that I could order to store in the fridge "just in case"? Suggestions?

 

[inhousebrew]

Safeale US-05. Clean and easy.

Are you typically using liquid yeast or dry yeast? If liquid I'd think about making yeast starters to ensure you have enough healthy cells that are ready to go when you pitch your yeast so you can avoid this problem in the first place. Also, making sure that you are cooling below 70* before pitching can help get the yeast going quickly. Aerating your wort is another thing, yeast need oxygen to reproduce. You can look up all those things on this site if you want.

 

[UKFreak]

I've used dry & Wyeast smack-packs. Most of the time I've been fine, but after needing to kick-start a batch & having to wait for new yeast to arrive I just wanted advice as to a "generic" yeast to keep on hand that would fit any bill. I have an extra Safeale in the fridge, so reckon I made a good guess! I've seen several posts about having extra stuff (DME, corn sugar, etc) handy.

 

[Calder]

I have a pack of S-05, S-04, and Notty in the fridge just in case. I think they are all at least 2 years after their use by date.

It is nice to know you have something on hand, but I've never needed to use it.