Beer Forum

I've got a pretty simple question that's been bugging me... I'm planning on making my first starter this weekend and I wanted to know if I need to activate the smack pack and let it puff up for a few hours before pitching it to the starter or can I just pitch it straight to the starter?

Thanks!

The smack pack is only designed to awaken the yeast before pitching into a beer and is a guarantee that the yeast is viable. If it doesn't swell up, the yeast is dead. Since your starter is basically doing the same thing and also growing yeast, it is not really necessary to smack 'n wait before pitching. It won't hurt anything to do so, but why take the extra time if you don't need to?

Awesome, Thanks!

Sorrry to burst your bubble. But yes you do need to smack the smack pack. The yeast in a smack pack is in side the bubble, It is a yeast bubble floating in a sea of starter wort so yes you need to smack it.

I think it's the other way around. From the Wyeast web site:

"Activator™ packages include a sterile liquid nutrient pouch that, when “smacked”, releases its contents into the yeast slurry and “activates” the package. The available nutrients initiate the culture’s metabolism which in turn generates CO2 and causes swelling of the package. This process will reduce lag times by preparing the yeast for a healthy fermentation prior to inoculation. Activation also serves as a viability test of the culture. Expansion of the package is an indicator of healthy (viable and vital) yeast. Although beneficial, cultures do not need to be activated prior to inoculation."

Ok sheen your right I am wrong.

I didn't really know, I never use Wyeast, that's why I had to look it up.

The smak packs even say that you don't need to let it swell fully before you pitch, but you definitely should smak that thing because why not have a few extra nutrients in your starter? I always do and it turns out great, but usually only a couple hours before I make my starter.