"best before" dates on white labs vials?

[cbrown]

Good morning! I plan on brewing an Oct fest this thurs, and picked up my ingredients from my LHBS. When purchasing the yeast (i bought 2 vials) i noticed that the "best before" dates were May 28, 2008 and July 8, 2008. (and didnt have time to skip it and order on line) I usually just use 2 vials instead of making a starter because im lazy, but will it make a difference this time since they are both a little past prime? Would it be worth the extra effort to use both vials in a 1/2 gal starter to get them going? Thanks,Chris

[TimC]

I've straight pitched yeast that was 4 months past the "best before" date with no problems other than a bit longer lag so I think you'll be fine, especially since you're pitching two vials. If it were me I would make a starter, but that's just because I need to use my stirplate for something.

[cbrown]

thanks man, i appreciate the info. Yeah, if i had a stirplate (and yes, i do aspire to own one) then i too would make a fatty starter. I still might. I have a 1 gal glass jug that i use and i just swish it around any time im around it until pitching it. Cheers,Chris

[Bhodi Li]

I know this isnt White Labs, but I just brought back from the dead a smack pack of Forbidden Fruit. It was over a year old and I got a good deal on it from my LHBS. Stuck that bad boy in a liter of wort and stuck it on the stir plate. Took almost a week, but it did it's job.

[Bugeater]

I've had the same luck with yeast over a year old. A good stirplate and a little patience can work magic. )

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company