Prepare yeast
Our CB&B Pale Ale recipe can be fermented with any of the following yeast options:
- Dry option: 1 sachet Safale S-05
- Liquid option 1: 1 Activator packet of Wyeast 1056 American Ale
- Liquid option 2: 1 Vial of White Labs WLP001 California Ale
If you're using dry yeast, you can skip ahead, as no advance preparation is required. If you are using liquid yeast, go ahead and remove it from the refrigerator before you begin brewing. Liquid yeast comes in two kinds of packaging:
- Activator™ smack packs from Wyeast Laboratories
- Plastic vials from White Labs
Activator™ smack packs contain an internal nutrient packet. Locate this packet (you'll feel a lump in the Activator™ pouch), and, holding the smack pack in one hand, firmly smack it with the other. If you don't get it on the first try, try again! Shake the pouch vigorously to distribute the nutrients, and set aside at room temperature as you brew.
White Labs vials don't contain a nutrient packet, but they can build up pressure and gush, especially after they warm to room temperature. When you remove the vial from the refrigerator, gently open the cap slightly (think of opening a soda bottle that has recently been dropped) just to release the pressure. This will make things easier when you add the yeast after brewing.
