Yeast shelf life?

[ipatch]

I saved some yeast from a pumpkin brew I did a couple of years ago, and its been refrigerated the entire time. What I was wondering was, could I use this yeast to build a starter. I read on here that 6 months is shelf life for yeast, so I'm a little tempted to just buy fresh yeast, but I just thought I would ask.
The yeast I have looks like the following,

 

[LovesIPA]

After a couple of years I doubt it's going to be any good, but the only way you're going to find out is if you make a starter out of it.

 

[BlackGoat]

probably not viable, or worth the effort. I'd just spring for a new pack. Better than having fermentation issues from a sluggish unhealthy yeast.

 

[Calder]

I bet it will work fine. Yes, you will need a starter.

I often take a sample off of starters and they stay fine for a couple of years.

 

[jro238]

That is a long time, but might as well try a starter for a couple days unless you are in a hurry.

 

[BigFloyd]

I don't think I'd waste a whole liter of starter wort just to find out. Maybe a small test amount with some cling wrap around the top of the jar/flask.

I look at harvested yeast that's been in my fridge for more than six months with a certain degree of suspicion.