Extending yeast life?

[Old_E]

Trying to make a long question short:

I have a tube of WLP545, I was given for x-mas, and it is just past its "best when used by" date. I want to brew a big belgian that I can put away for some time, but I don't want to brew it for a few weeks. Should I do something to extend the life, i.e. build starter, wash yeast?

Any suggestions? Or do I need to just build a starter and brew with it ASAP?

 

[Clonefarmer]

Trying to make a long question short:

I have a tube of WLP545, I was given for x-mas, and it is just past its "best when used by" date. I want to brew a big belgian that I can put away for some time, but I don't want to brew it for a few weeks. Should I do something to extend the life, i.e. build starter, wash yeast?

Any suggestions? Or do I need to just build a starter and brew with it ASAP?

Two or Three weeks won't make a big difference if left in the package.

 

[WC87]

Should be fine - Mr Malty has a viability calculator you can use to estimate the number of yeast cells you might have in the tube. I'd do a starter, build it up at least once, and roll with it if the starter looks good.

 

[Old_E]

Thanks for the replies!