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Author Topic: How old is too old S-04?  (Read 2425 times)

Offline theoman

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How old is too old S-04?
« on: June 19, 2016, 05:54:01 am »
I'm getting ready to pitch a packet of Fermentis S-04 into a 1.045 20L batch and I just noticed that the date is June 2015. Oops. One year past the expiration. Mr. Malty says I'll need 72 packets of this stuff. I'm using production date of June 2013. What do you think? Pitch it anyway?

I have a fresh K-97 to use in a pinch, but I was hoping for a more Englishy beer.

Offline tommymorris

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2016, 07:48:59 am »
I'm getting ready to pitch a packet of Fermentis S-04 into a 1.045 20L batch and I just noticed that the date is June 2015. Oops. One year past the expiration. Mr. Malty says I'll need 72 packets of this stuff. I'm using production date of June 2013. What do you think? Pitch it anyway?

I have a fresh K-97 to use in a pinch, but I was hoping for a more Englishy beer.
Most likely its fine if it's been treated well (stored at room temp or cooler). I would use it. You have a good back up plan.

Offline theoman

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2016, 12:05:21 pm »
I rehydrated and pitched it. If I don't see any activity in a day or two, I'll toss in the K-97.

Man, it was one problem after another today. I still managed to hit my numbers and I'm sure beer will happen.

Offline BrewBama

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2016, 12:09:18 pm »
I would "proof" it by hydrating and seeing if it foams. If so, fire away.


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Offline theoman

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2016, 12:19:32 pm »
I would "proof" it by hydrating and seeing if it foams. If so, fire away.


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Puffed up like a meringue.

Offline brewinhard

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2016, 01:32:59 pm »
Mr. Malty says I'll need 72 packets of this stuff.


Ha!  I love those calculator estimates. 72 packets...Makes me laugh!   :o

Offline BrewBama

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2016, 01:53:03 pm »
I would "proof" it by hydrating and seeing if it foams. If so, fire away.


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Puffed up like a meringue.

You gotta love dry yeast. So many strains available now allows so many styles. No finicky handling, laboratory style starter prep, or requirement for an emergency back up.


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RPIScotty

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2016, 08:05:41 pm »
Remember that dry yeast loses viability at a crawl. There is likely a ton of yeast still in there.

Offline Philbrew

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #8 on: June 19, 2016, 11:00:23 pm »
Remember that dry yeast loses viability at a crawl. There is likely a ton of yeast still in there.
Yeah, I started homebrewing (again) a year and a half ago with a packet of Vierka Lager yeast (if you can remember that stuff, you're an OLD brewer) that had no expire date but said "product of West Germany".  It took two weeks to get going, but it made OK beer.
Many of us would be on a strict liquid diet if it weren't for pretzels.

Offline theoman

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #9 on: June 24, 2016, 04:05:39 am »
The airlock was bubbling away in less than 24 hours. Relax and all that...

Offline brewinhard

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #10 on: June 24, 2016, 09:04:49 am »
The airlock was bubbling away in less than 24 hours. Relax and all that...

Awesome. Its like the force. You must have faith...

Offline Steve Ruch

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Re: How old is too old S-04?
« Reply #11 on: June 24, 2016, 09:00:44 pm »
Remember that dry yeast loses viability at a crawl. There is likely a ton of yeast still in there.

I recently read 4% a year.
I love to go swimmin'
with hairy old women