Wyeast Smack Pack
Moderator: slothrob
Wyeast Smack Pack
Hi, I've been brewing extract and Mini-mashes for about 4 years. I've had alot of success and have really enjoyed the process and the outcome of home brewing. The only problem I continually experience (and don't laugh) is with the Wyeast Smack Packs. I have trouble breaking the inner seal to combine the smack pack ingredients. Sometimes when I pitch the yeast the inner seal has not broken but the package is still somewhat swelled. Maybe I'm too afraid of popping the whole thing and I'm not pressing to hard. I don't know. I still have good luck with the beer even if it takes a little longer to start the fermentation. I often use the White Labs Pitchable tubes but sometimes forget to order that kind. Can anyone give me some good hints on how to break the inner seal?
Beer and Black Labs.
- brewmeisterintng
- Strong Ale
- Posts: 384
- Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2005 8:47 pm
- Location: Clarksville, TN
Wyeast Smack Pack
Before I get started here I just want you to know that I am not going to be much help. I too have had problems popping that inner packet. I ended up laying it on the kitchen counter and playing the feel and find game to locate it. Once I found it I used the heal of my hand and struck with brut force. Sometimes I don't get it on the first time and the frustration level begins to rise. To validate that the packet is indeed popped, I again play the search and find game which helps mix everything up if I was lucky enough to pop that little sucker.
On a side note, the yeast makes some great beer and I usually start a few days a head of brew day so that I can also make my own yeast starter after the packet swells. I have found that the more yeast the merrier.
Hope I was just a little helpful.
-James-
On a side note, the yeast makes some great beer and I usually start a few days a head of brew day so that I can also make my own yeast starter after the packet swells. I have found that the more yeast the merrier.
Hope I was just a little helpful.
-James-
- Push Eject
- Double IPA
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- Location: Lancaster, CA, US
- Contact:
Re: Wyeast Smack Pack
Yep, you've got it. Just feel that thing up and then smash the hell out of it.
I've never broken one yet.
However, I have admit that I like the vial better and always make a starter anyway, so the smacking really doesn't get me much...
Gee, bet that didn't help much at all, eh?! LOL
I've never broken one yet.
However, I have admit that I like the vial better and always make a starter anyway, so the smacking really doesn't get me much...
Gee, bet that didn't help much at all, eh?! LOL
Last edited by Push Eject on Thu Feb 02, 2006 1:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
After a few times, you should be able to find the inner packet, isolate it and pop it. It can be difficult at first, but it gets easier with practice, believe me.
As soon the yeast packet is completely swelled, I pitch it directly into a half-gallon starter. After a few days, when the yeast has flocculated, I decant and pitch. I try to time it so I make my starter at least 3-4 days before brewday, so I have a pretty solid yeast cake on the bottom of the vessel.
As soon the yeast packet is completely swelled, I pitch it directly into a half-gallon starter. After a few days, when the yeast has flocculated, I decant and pitch. I try to time it so I make my starter at least 3-4 days before brewday, so I have a pretty solid yeast cake on the bottom of the vessel.
I also won't be much help on this but I've had the same problem. Can't tell when it's popped! I've considered just sticking with the white labs but I like the beer when I use the Wyeast. The other problem for me is that once I am done brewing I want it to start up right away and the smack packs seem to take longer. My girlfriend just laughs at me because I am up checking on it every 15 minutes until I get a bubble.
"Beer, the cause of and solution to all the world's problems..."
-Homer Simpson
-Homer Simpson
Wyeast Can Take a Lickin' and Keep on Tickin'
I just used my first Wyeast pack and had the same fears of breaking the package when "smacking." I just felt around for the activator pack, guided it to the top of the package (where it is thinest) and smacked away.
No package damage/leakage.
No package damage/leakage.
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- Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:56 am
re: Smack Pack
I love the Wyeast strains and haven't had any problems breaking the nutrient pack.
Once you have located the inner pack, palm it and smack away. I warm it up to room temp first but that's just me.
Once you have located the inner pack, palm it and smack away. I warm it up to room temp first but that's just me.