Yeast that came with kit

[brew hoperator]

I just received my NB dunkelweizen extract kit and it came with a Wyeast Activator Pure Pitchable Yeast packet. THe packet's direction says to keep it refrigerated, but it did not have an ice pack included. Is this yeast still good?

Thanks

 

[BierMuncher]

It should be fine.

THe short time it was unrefrigerated for the trip will not make a difference.

I'd recommend for peace of mind, that you make a starter about 3-4 days prior to your brew day to make sure it's viable. I'm sure it is though.

 

[brew hoperator]

It should be fine.

THe short time it was unrefrigerated for the trip will not make a difference.

I'd recommend for peace of mind, that you make a starter about 3-4 days prior to your brew day to make sure it's viable. I'm sure it is though.

Thanks for the information!

 

[namadai]

if it's an activator pack and it swells after you pop it, that should tell you that the yeast are ok...i think

am I wrong about this?

 

[fermenator]

Correct, if you are concerned I believe that NB offers putting in an ice pack for a small extra charge

 

[RichBrewer]

The ice pack will swell if it is viable. I would smack it a few days prior and make a starter once it has expanded. That way you will be sure of a good strong fermentation.

 

[brew hoperator]

The ice pack will swell if it is viable. I would smack it a few days prior and make a starter once it has expanded. That way you will be sure of a good strong fermentation.

What is meant by starter i have looked in a couple books i have read/reading and can't find "yeast starter".

thanks,

 

[Judd]

A yeast starter is a container (I use an old growler) with a small amount of wort in it. You pitch the yeast in there a couple hours-days before you brew. This allows the yeast population to grow and enter its fermenting stage, so that when you pitch it into your wort, you get a quicker start and a healthier fermentation. A lot of people recommend oxygenating your starter, too, to help the population grow.

 

[brew hoperator]

A yeast starter is a container (I use an old growler) with a small amount of wort in it. You pitch the yeast in there a couple hours-days before you brew. This allows the yeast population to grow and enter its fermenting stage, so that when you pitch it into your wort, you get a quicker start and a healthier fermentation. A lot of people recommend oxygenating your starter, too, to help the population grow.

Thanks for the info. I just read on the wiki that you can use .5 cup of DME w/ 1 pint of water and bring it to a gentle boil. what kind of DME should i use or can i pour a little of the LME that came with the kit?

 

[IrregularPulse]

Yes I wonder this about starters. Can you just make a generic DME starter or does it need to be the same as what is in your end wort?

 

[RegionalChaos]

It can be generic. It shouldn't matter what kind of DME you use. I just picked up some extra light DME for making starters.

 

[john from dc]

the problem i've had with using lme for a starter is that it usually comes in large cans or bags and i don't think they keep too well once they're opened.

i wouldn't use extract from the kit, as that could alter your recipe.

i have heard of someone using an entire can of lme and making a bunch of bottles of starter wort to cut down on the work in the future. i think they need to be refrigerated though.

 

[s3n8]

Hey All, I am a noob, so take this with a grain of salt...

The guy at the LHBS (Derek at myLHBS.com) said use a light or pils DME because it has the most sugar. He recommended sealing up the bag in a freezer baggie and squeezing the air out to store the remaining in a cool place. He also recommended some yeast nutrient, so i picked a small tube of Wyeast nutrient as well. Directions on the side say add 1/2 tsp 10 min before end of boil for 5Gal.

I am planning on brewing an imperial stout recipe kit from morebeer this weekend, and have a vial of WL California Ale yeast. So I and am planning on making my first starter tonight.

Recipe Plan:

24oz water
3/4 cup DME
teeny tiny bit of yeast nutrient (1/8 tsp)

boil 10 -15 minutes, cool until 70, aerate, pitch yeast.

Seem reasonable?