safale works good for me. i've used S04 and S05 and 34/70. i think the key is to rehydrate it properly first. i know they say you can sprinkle it but i have read that sprinkling it dry will kill half the yeast cells because they can't take the shock of all that malt sugar all at once why they are rehydrating. that stuff is pricey too. i am trying one called cali within the next few batches. supposed to be just like s05 but cheaper. liquids are good if you want to go the stir plate and starter route. years ago when i was driving myself nuts with this stuff, i used to freeze the liquid cultures in a glycerin solution and then use those to make a starter. this way one pack of liquid yeast would last all brewing season.
theres a lot to this stuff. really fun and if you are a scientific kind of guy you can really go nuts. i am more of a KISS guy anymore.
