How do I know if brewers yeast is good?

[oli]

My father-in-law received a beer making kit a few months ago and asked me, "how do I know if the yeast is any good"

I don't know, but I think there is an easy method but I know someone here would be able to tell me.

Thanks

 

[marilynfl]

oli, I thought you might be able to test it like regular baker's yeast...

take some, add a bit of warm water and sugar and see if it foams.

But google searches indicate they aren't the same and the "beer yeast" doesn't foam the same as baker's yeast does.

However, it did say it had a long shelf life. But I couldn't find a definite answer to that either.

Sorry.

 

[richard-in-cincy]

yeast yeast

When I first saw this post, I thought you were talking about the brewer's yeast nutritional supplement, which is the inactive yeasty residue from the fermentation process filled with B vitamins.

Then when I saw Marilyn's post about testing and proofing, I looked and saw you have yeast (probably an "Ale Yeast") in a home brew kit.

First, look at the package, it will have an expiration date on it somewhere.

If that has passed, you can proof it like baking yeast to test it. Stir a spoonful of malt into some warm water to dissolve, then sprinkle on the yeast and let it sit in a warm place. If it's still active, it will foam and froth as it starts munching on the carbohydrates in the malt liquid. Just stir this into the wort after you get it cooled and you'll be off and running.

If it doesn't proof, you'll need to buy another package of yeast. If you can't find it locally in a beer supply store, try northern brewer.

 

[oli]

Thanks, he says.....

he looked for an expiration date but did not find one, that's where I came into the picture.