Yeast strength question

[Galek]

I received a beer kit for Christmas. Upon opening I find the liquid yeast packet in the box. My dad tells me it has been at the house over a week and the yeast was never refrigerated.

I have nothing on hand to create wort with to try and start the yeast a few days before hand (other than the stuff from the recipe kit). At this point should I just get another thing of yeast, or just let it ferment a lot longer as there will be very little yeast in the beginning?

I know there must be another post with this question, but searching I was coming up with 10 pages of posts and could not find what I was looking for.

Thank you for any help,

 

[MWM777]

If you're unable to make a starter, I'd probably err to the side of caution and pick up a fresh vial/pack of yeast from your local HBS. A week at room temp for a liquid yeast isn't ideal.

Making a starter isn't terribly difficult, since you have access to a local HBS. I'd recommend getting in the habit of it for liquid yeasts (White Labs).

 

[T29]

I usually add the pack into warm water and let it sit for 30 min then pitch into my wort. I havent had an issue ever. If within 3 days you see no activity then pitch in a new packet. Gives you time to go buy another. I wouldent be worried.

If you're paranoid and really want too, then just go to the closest brew store and get some DME and make a starter and buy another packet of yeast (liquid or dry) so you can have as back up, just incase it dosent work.

 

[chickypad]

I usually add the pack into warm water and let it sit for 30 min then pitch into my wort. I havent had an issue ever. If within 3 days you see no activity then pitch in a new packet. Gives you time to go buy another. I wouldent be worried.

OP has liquid yeast.
What's the date on the vial and what is the OG of your beer? Agreed a starter would be much better but you may be able to get away with it if the yeast was not also fairly old.

EDit: actually, is that a wyeast smack pack you have? If it's not already swollen you could smack the inner pack and see if it swells up. I never trust that as I do a starter but if it swells I think would at least be a sign of yeast viability.

 

[brettg20]

Like the above post said, it all really determines on the date and your OG. I would get into the habit of making starters, your beer will benefit from them especially your higher OG ones.

 

[Galek]

It is smack pack, the date on it is Oct 8th. The original gravity is 1.076 according to the recipe.

I will try and see if it activates, if it does not swell within 24 hours I will order another one.

Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[chickypad]

Either way you really should do a starter with a 1.076 beer. If you take like 7 oz of the DME in your kit and put it in 2 liters that will only drop your gravity about 4 pts. Still may be underpitching without a stirplate but certainly better than no starter at all.