Suggestions on first lager

Beer Weevel · 01-12-2007, 02:38 AM

I'm and A/G'er and I've never lagered a beer before. Does anyone have a especially good lager that I could make for my first lager?

**azmtnbiker** · 01-12-2007, 04:24 AM

I am no expert at lagers, as I have only made 2 that I have tasted and another one is in the lagering phase as we speak.
My first 2 were ofest type beers and turned out pretty good. The Helles is a wait and see brew.
I would suggest a bock or ofest type beer. You will not have to worry about the water chemistry too much. It depends on what yeast you choose too. I have heard wyeast 2308 requires a d-rest so I am doing one for my helles but I used wlp830 for the other two and did not use a d-rest. I kept them in primary for 3-4weeks then lagered for 2 months. I did not detect any diactyl but maybe I am one that cannot detect it.
Lagers take patients which I am usually lacking unless I have a large amount of homebrew on tap.
Cheers!

Mikey · 01-12-2007, 11:42 AM

'Lager' is a very broad family of beers as varied as ales. What commercial brands do you prefer?

sonvolt · 01-12-2007, 12:35 PM

Vienna Lager!!!

My first lager was a Vienna Lager. Fairly simple grain bill, moderate OG, great flavor. Here is the recipe I used. It is so good that I am brewing it again right now.

Vienna Lager II

9 lbs. Briess Pilsen Malt
½ lb. Munich Malt
¼ lb. Cara-Pils
¼ lb. Crystal (20)
¼ lb. Crystal (40)
¼ lb. Crystal (120)
4 oz. Cara-Vienne

1 oz. Hallertauer (4.2%) (60)
½ oz. Tettnanger (4.0%) (30)
1 oz. Saaz (3.3%) (15)

Single Step Infusion Mash @ 150 degrees

Saflager – S-23 (German Lager Yeast)

OG 1.054