Emergency yeast

[Kronos]

So far after getting back into home brewing after many years I have made three brews, the first two were from kits, the third from all grain and I have a fourth brew being made from all grain planned for this Saturday. The all grain brew (and this Saturdays) I used the Wyeast smack packs but I was concerned if something went wrong and it never activated. Not having any other yeast meant I had no back up. So I want some kind of emergency back up, what dry yeasts would you suggest I keep in stock as a back up for beer and lager just in case the yeast I should use does not work.

 

[dan125]

If you make a yeast starter with the liquid yeast a few days before brewing you'll know that's its healthy.
Having said that its reassuring to have a pack of Nottingham or MJ west coast ale yeast, or similar depending on the type of beers you're making, in the fridge.
:

 

[JFB]

I find the wiko gervin a great dried yeast. I first used it as I have no LHBS within half hour and needed a emergency yeast, now love it for all my porters.

 

[Toredan]

I use the Wilko Gervin Ale Yeast, it's been confirmed a number of times to be Nottingham yeast by Danstar repackaged. Only �£1.75 a pack. :)

http://www.jimsbeerkit.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=57052

 

[MyQul]

Notty is deffo a good emergency yeast asits cheap, reliable and it ferments down to 14C so you can use it for (pseudo) lagers too,

 

[Kronos]

Thank you everyone, looks like I shall pop into Wilkos this lunch time.

 

[DoctorMick]

I keep meaning to get a packet of Nottingham yeast to put in the fridge, hopefully this thread will remind me to finally get it!

 

[Dads_Ale]

I would always keep a stock of S04 and US05.
Both are pretty bullet proof at a range of temperatures.

 

[simon12]

I have used S04, US05 and Gervin/Nottingham all without ever having any issues and all making great beer. If you don't have good temperature control for fermentation I would recommend Gervin/Nottingham as it has the widest temperature range.

 

[Budgie]

Another +1 for Wilko Gervin. I always have some in the fridge and it always does a good job.

 

[jayjt29]

I always have a few S04 and US05 in the fridge.

Jay