When to replace kit wine yeast

[soupdragon]

Hi all

I have a few wine kits that will be out of date by the time I get around to doing them. From what I've read, the juice stuff will be fine but roughly how far past the best by date will the yeast/nutrient pack still be viable? I've not got a problem replacing the yeast but I'd much rather use the provided if poss. Yeast was removed from the kits and has been stored in the fridge since.
I realise the yeast doesn't stop working the day after the best by date but if anyone has a rough guide to when it will finally give up the ghost.
So 6 months, 12 months or 2 years? What's the perceived wisdom here?

Cheers Tom

 

[Dutto]

Personally, I use the yeast and nutrient provided so that it acts as food for the new yeast!

I go easy on the nutrient when I do this.
:hat:

 

[soupdragon]

Ah but how far past the best by before you would use fresh yeast as well as the supplied?

Cheers Tom

 

[Dutto]

As yeast (even dried yeast) is classed as being “alive”, I would just use the Best Before date as a cut-off.

Compared to the waste of time and the possibility of wasting a complete brew, the cost of yeast is minimal.
:hat:

 

[soupdragon]

Another plus would be the opportunity to use a "proper" red wine yeast rather than a generic all purpose one

Cheers Tom