So - Procrastination wins the day again.
I bought an imperial stout AG kit in September to hopefully have ready for Feb / March next year…
And then between weekend weather, family stuff and laziness, I am just getting round to it now.
I made a 2L starter on Saturday and put on stir plate (using Wyeast Scotch Ale yeast)- problem was that the yeast was dated Aug 7th which shows it at less than 50% viable.
Anytime I have ever made a starter before, I used to get a nice yeasty smell within a day or 2. This time nothing.
Wondering anybody’s views on this? I am thinking of trying to build it up during the week to brew next weekend, so this morning I took it off the stir plate and put in the fridge to decant this evening and I did notice a ring about a half inch above the liquid so there has been some activity.
I’m rambling here cos I’m not even sure of my question - I guess it is basically Should I have smelt more of a yeasty smell? And am I right to try and build this up or just give in and buy more yeast to be sure since it was a pretty expensive grain bill?
Thanks for any input / advice