smack pack

[paulmaybee]

So, I got my stir plate and am giving it a go today.  With the Wyeast smack packs, I know it's not really necessary to do a starter, but should I add just the yeast, or should I smack the pack, so to speak, first?

[jamie_savoie]

always smack.  it's yeast nutriment in the pack
if the yeast is fresh and it's a regular gravity brew, no need to do a starter

[paulmaybee]

always smack.  it's yeast nutriment in the pack
if the yeast is fresh and it's a regular gravity brew, no need to do a starter

It's fresh yeast and it's a regular gravity brew.  But I just got a new toy, so yes I do NEED to do a starter!

[robcoombs]

I do a starter with wyeast every time. I know it's not always necessary but I like the process. It can't hurt.

[paulmaybee]

I do a starter with wyeast every time. I know it's not always necessary but I like the process. It can't hurt.

Yeah, this is proving to be way more fun than it should be.  I'm like those kids on the rising crust pizza commercials.

[robcoombs]

I do a starter with wyeast every time. I know it's not always necessary but I like the process. It can't hurt.

Yeah, this is proving to be way more fun than it should be.  I'm like those kids on the rising crust pizza commercials.

Ha! I've done that. 

[Roger]

I think it's always a safe bet to do a starter. The only time I don't is when I use dry yeast. But I do sometimes rehydrate it first.

[robcoombs]

I think it's always a safe bet to do a starter. The only time I don't is when I use dry yeast. But I do sometimes rehydrate it first.

I generally always rehydrate the dry packs, unless it's for a session beer around 4%. Though I don't make much of those.

[jamie_savoie]

http://brulosophy.com/2014/09/15/sprinkled-vs-rehydrated-dry-yeast-exbeeriment-results/

[robcoombs]

Good read there @jamie_savoie

[Two Wheeler]

There's a ton of good info on that website, thanks for sharing.

I always rehydrate because it's not hard to do, and it's a lot easier to get the yeast into a carboy when it's in liquid form.