6 replies to this topic

[Breakpoint]

I've got a packet of Staro Prague Yeast and I'm not going to be brewing any lagers until next winter, so I plan on storing this in the fridge until that time comes around. I'll make a starter and make sure the yeast is viable. The starter will be larger in size too to account for cell death. Anyway, just wondering how long you've kept a vial or packet of yeast?

[ncbeerbrewer]

Well I have 2 yeasts that I bought but never opened. I have:Wyeast 2278 Czech Pils with a mfg date of 10/2/07. This yeast will get tossed since it is old and I have a cake of 2278 that I used on a 10 gallon split batch with my buddy from November 2009. Wyeast 1026 British Cask Ale mfg date of 9/30/08. I bought this pack along with another pack back in Sept of 08 when this yeast was available. I used the other pack over and over and never touched this one. I have a stir plate and might try and build this one up. This is a Super yeast that I wish was available year round. CJ from here was/is a big fan of this yeast as well. Hope it works for you. Definitely a starter for sure. You might even consider stepping up the yeast so you don't over stress the cells that are viable when you are ready to brew. Staro is great used it three times so far and hope to brew a few more with the cake as well.Prost.

[djinkc]

I have some Wyeast 2308, 3/06. Just never got around to it. It's been cold the whole time.......

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

I think I would consider cracking them open and making starters sooner. Just save all the yeast and then use this to make a starter every 6 months until you use it. I did this with my 2308 that I used for a oktoberfest in jan 2009. I made a starter with it in august and then made another when I used it in december. Worked great

[realbeerguy]

Have gone 4-5 years with White labs. But, I always make a starter.

[denny]

Anyway, just wondering how long you've kept a vial or packet of yeast?

3 1/2 years for me. Worked fine after making a starter.

[lowendfrequency]

I've brought some WLP029 back to life after 2+ years with a starter.