[tcanova]

I just received the Gigayeast I ordered last week.  It spent a couple of extra days in shipping thanks to UPS and the cold packs are no longer good.  My question is, the hefe yeast packs are actually swollen while the IPA yeast and the Saison yeast are not.  Does this seem normal?  My understanding was these are not "smack" packs. 

[kylekohlmorgen]

Swelling is normal with Wyeast packs (even before the 'smack'), so I assume the same for GigaYeast. Wyeast explains on their website (again, assuming the same answer for Giga's packs):

http://www.wyeastlab.com/FAQs.cfm?website=1&CategoryID=1#r204

[duboman]

+1
I would think there should be no problem but being liquid yeast is still make starter to ensure proper pitch rate and viability

[kramerog]

GigaYeast has twice the yeast (200 billion) as Wyeast.  I'd calculate the desired pitch rate for the beer with Mr Malty, YeastCalc or both and then I'd figure if I would take a chance with a direct pitch.  A starter is good insurance in these circumstances.

[reverseapachemaster]

Did you try contacting Gigayeast to ask them if you should be concerned?