Wyeast activator smack packs

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365Darren

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Ok so I usually use safale so4 but decided to branch out into smack packs. I did a black sheep clone using a Yorkshire strain then an ESB ... Having watched some vids on spew tube I see the guys smack packs are very inflated..... Neither of mine were .. I did smack them several hours before brewing??? Is this a concern? Am I doing something wrong? :?:
 
seems not uncommon for folks to activate the packs at least a full day, if not two, before pitching.. suspect a few hours just isn't enough time :thumb:
 
Did it inflate even slightly..? Could you hear it fizz when you shake it?
I've had some that didn't do an awful lot, but as long as they showed some signs of life that is the main thing.
 
I used one on Sunday no bother, they say on the pack to store in the fridge, mine had been lying in the kitchen for 2 or 3 days at room temp after my delivery and had swelled up within 2 hours, dunno if you maybe have it at room temp for a day before if it wakes up the yeasties?
 
I use em a lot, seems very variable, as long as there's some life it's OK to use. Check the made date, they reccomend using within six months. They're often a couple of months old by the time we get them. T
 
I use the Wyeast smack packs quite often.

I usally do not use them until they are fully inflated. Sitting the pack on top of the hot water heater seems to be a nice warm place in which the yeast can do their thing.

Generally speaking, it takes about one day per month past the made date for the smack packs to fully inflate.

It is not actually necessary to wait for the pack to swell at all but I prefer to wait as a matter of peace of mind. I would rather wait and be certain that the yeast are indeed viable prior to pitching.

- Scott
 

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