I Fucking Love White Labs Yeast

[HopRunner]

Hoprunner, I don't think there would be anything in the process that makes one vial slow to start versus another. I understand they get filled by machine and then capped and inspected by hand. There can be variations in the amount of yeast sometimes and I suppose it is possible that there is some small difference in maybe the first couple vials, last couple vials, and all the rest, but that is just internet conjecture. I'm sure someone from white labs can explain why that is a stupid theory. Not sure why you're experiencing random differences if you're sure your process is repeated the same each time. I've always attributed any problem to poor handling after leaving white labs.

Thanks JZ. My process has been evolving like I mentioned. It is probably something I'm doing.

Thanks again for the response.

[Herms]

I switched from White labs to Wyeast after my starter with a White labs vial failed to start.

I use Wyeast activator packs, which i think have the same cell count as a White labs tube. At least you know they are active when you pitch them.

Is there a reason I should go back to whitelabs? Are the yeast strains better? I'd definetly use Whitelabs if Wyeast didn't have the strain I needed. It's just that having a failed starter was a real pain in the ass. Maybe it was just a one time thing.

Mark

[bleachcola]

I switched from White labs to Wyeast after my starter with a White labs vial failed to start.

I use Wyeast activator packs, which i think have the same cell count as a White labs tube. At least you know they are active when you pitch them.

Is there a reason I should go back to whitelabs? Are the yeast strains better? I'd definetly use Whitelabs if Wyeast didn't have the strain I needed. It's just that having a failed starter was a real pain in the ass. Maybe it was just a one time thing.

Mark

Both companies produce excellent yeast. As already mentioned in this thread if you got a bad vial it is most likely due to the handling conditions after it left the lab.

[brewerTristan]

I'm extra keen on White Labs right now because I just got my first customer club free yeast coupon yesterday. I had a suspicion it wasn't available to international customers, but I was wrong. Great company! Great yeast!

[Brandt]

I have a bad habit of letting my yeast sit around for too long. White Labs always takes off within 48 hours even when it's over a year old. The only time I had a problem was a Wyeast pack that was not yet expired, but nearing its end date. It never took off. I pitched my back up White Labs. I threw away the smack pack after four days of zero activity.

[fastdogbrewing]

I have to agree with the products from White Labs, but also have to mention the company. Last year we had a big brew at the Murrieta Homebrew Emporium with our club for the Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day. I contacted White Labs to see if they wanted to be involved and without me asking they donated yeast and a ton of posters for the event.

Top Notch company, Top Notch product. I will continue to support them without question.