Never give up on your old yeast

[jamie_savoie]

So I had a new pack of wyeast mead yeast sitting in the fridge for the last 3 years (manufactured nov 2011).  I almost throw it out in the garbage then I decided to make a starter to see what would happen...
10 days later I have a pitchable amount of yeast   mead making time! 

[pliny]

Did you have to step it up?

[jamie_savoie]

yeah I didn't take the chance, I did 4 steps.  250ml @ 1.020, 250ml @ 1.035, 500ml then 1L