Is my yeast pack good?

[Yontsey]

I have a Wyeast 2565 Kolsch yeast packet I got from Northern Brewer a couple weeks ago and didn't pay attention and tossed it in the fridge. Pulled it out this morning and can't tell if the activator ball inside was popped already or not. It seems like it's swelled up a little more then my un-popped London Ale IIIs but it's not fully swollen. When I push it to the corner, I can feel where there should be a ball but it's not hard and solid like my other packs.

Is this packet of yeast bad? Was thinking about making a Spotted Cow Clone this AM. Can I still use it?

 

[Yontsey]

I've had it pulled out of the fridge for like 15 minutes and it's already swelling up...hmmmm....might be some life in the ole girl yet

 

[Donoroto]

Keep it in the fridge until you're ready, it should be fine. Eventually it will swell and burst if you let it get warm

 

[SwampWater]

Are you going to make a starter? That will let you know how good it is.

 

[Yontsey]

Are you going to make a starter? That will let you know how good it is.

Eh I just went for it. On day 3.5 of fermentation. Going well so far.

 

[Yontsey]

At 7.5 days and it's wrapped up fermentation. Hit my numbers on my Spotted Cow Clone dead on. Recipe called for SG of 1.054 FG of 1.014. I came in at 1.053 and 1.014. Haven't tasted yet so I'll do that one day this week. Planning on kegging Wed/Thurs. Figured I'd give it an extra day or two to finish up.

 

[Yontsey]

Got my Spotted Cow clone kegged up. Came in a 5.25%. Tastes pretty damn good. I think this is going to be real close to the original. Got it carbing up right now in the kegerator.

 

[Minbari]

View attachment 29852

Got my Spotted Cow clone kegged up. Came in a 5.25%. Tastes pretty damn good. I think this is going to be real close to the original. Got it carbing up right now in the kegerator.

looks reasonably clear too. it will clean up more in the keg

 

[Yontsey]

looks reasonably clear too. it will clean up more in the keg

and that sample was from the bottom of the fermenter. There was a little debris in there. Much easier transferring than the DDHs I’ve been brewing lol