Swelled Wyeast pouch

[Duellist17]

I purchased a Wyeast Activator smack pack about two months ago and have left in in my fridge since. I have noticed it has started to swell and I'm just wondering if its ok to still use, or if I should just buy another one. It has remained nice and cold, but the nutrient pack must have gotton popped somehow. Any suggestions?

Marc

[MrNate]

Exact same thing happened to me. I noticed it on Thursday, left it in there until Saturday morning, then took it out to warm up. Once it was out of the fridge it swelled completely (as normal).

I piched, all was well. Your mileage may vary.

[brazilhead]

I had this happen to a smack pack coming through the mail that just seemed too plump. I´ve been eyeing it suspiciously in the fridge for about 6 months. Still, I saw that there have been at least isolated cases of years old (in one case a decade if I remember correctly) yeast working fine. The advice which I plan to take on my next batch is to make a starter 3 days before and check for krausen activity.

[dparsons]

Make a starter with it. Then you'll know.

[brazilhead]

Well just to update, the old, mail-carrier-abused swell pouch yeast turned out just fine.