I am brewing in just about 24 hrs, and don't have time to make a starter at this point really (or as far as I understand, I don't). I have never used one before, and had no problems as far as I could tell, but maybe my senses just aren't yet refined enough to figure out the subtle off tones from too-stressed yeast. My interest now is because as I've read more, it seems like the rule overwhelmingly rather than the exception. Next time I'll use a starter. However, now, I'm at a point where it's too late. So, how important is it really with one vial of WLP001 California Ale yeast pitching into a beer of approx 1.055 OG?
If I don't, do I need to go to the LHBS and buy a second vial? Just go with the one as I've done in my ignorant past with no noticeable ill effect? My experience has been that WLP001 is fairly robust, and carries its weight like a worker ant, but it seems like there are some major supporters of the yeast starter. Thanks in advance for the advice.