How long does yeast keep for?

[ryanshelton]

I have some Edinburgh yeast in my fridge which i cultivated from a previous brew(if it makes any difference the brew got infected). Was wondering how long it will last before it needs chucking? I want to reuse it soon if possible

Thanks

 

[dennisking]

If it got infected I would dump it now.

 

[rpt]

:wha: Why do you want to repitch yeast from an infected brew?

 

[Jeltz]

Yep don't re-pitch yeast harvested from an infected brew unless that infection happened to make the beer awesome, IIRC there are some brews (particularly sour beers) where specific types of bacteria or Brettanomyces are encouraged!

If you are re-using yeast then the quantity of live yeast cells as time goes on you can probably get away with pitching a jam jar full without a starter in the 1st month or so, after that I would make a starter, if the starter doesn't take off its too old :)

 

[ryanshelton]

I believe it got infected AFTER the yeast was cultivated. I added orange peel and loads of other stuff in the secondary and thats when i think it got infected hence the reason i would like to reuse the yeast?

 

[dennisking]

If the beer was taken off the yeast before the infection fine, as long as your 100% sure. I always try to re-use within a week of harvesting. I know others have let it go longer but I don't take the risk. Keep in the fridge.

 

[ryanshelton]

Thanks Dennis think ill be on the safe side and throw it. Mainly for the fact its nearly 2 months old. Thanks again

 

[rpt]

I've used 3 week old yeast without a starter successfully. Beyond that I'd want a starter, but 2 months sounds rather old.

 

[Jeltz]

Thanks Dennis think ill be on the safe side and throw it. Mainly for the fact its nearly 2 months old. Thanks again

If you are absolutely certain without any doubt keep it and make a starter. I have some us-05 in the fridge harvested at the start of October I would happily make up a starter with it.