Yeast efficacy

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HaveABeer

I brew therefore I drink
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Jan 16, 2025
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Location
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Sampled my first batch yesterday and it was great. Irish Red Ale
Yesterday I also did a starter for a new batch. When I opened the White Labs yeast packet (it had been in my refrigerator for 2 weeks) It came out chunky and white as if it had already been working. I pitched it into the started and put it in a dark place. This morning I see 0 activity and the yeast seems to have settled on the bottom of the flask. 0 air lock activity.

Is it possible this yeast was bad? any suggestions on what to do? Order new yeast and try again? Id hate to do a boil and everything today just to have it wasted.

Thanks for the help!
 
Was the yeast an English yeast by any chance? They tend to be chunky and can flocculate out quickly if not using a stir plate to keep them moving. I would swirl the starter every hour or so to keep it moving, give it another day and maybe check the gravity.
 
Yes, English Ale. Swirl every hour. Buy a stir plate. Got it.
Thank you for the help. The starter smells yeasty and good.
 
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Im guessing worst case I brew the beer and pitch this yeast and nothing happens. I can leave it and get another yeast packet and pitch it a few days after.
 
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