Testing Lager w/ Ale yeast

pilotdane · 08-20-2009, 12:30 AM

My father wants me to duplicate Aecht Gehlenferla Rauchbier (a lager) that he brought back from Germany. I have only one fermentation fridge and a long list of ales to brew. What's everyone's opinion of bre wwing my test batches using ale yeast to get the amount of smoke malt, color and hops part of the recipe dialed-in?

What ale yeast would be closest to a lager (preferrably a dry yeast to keep costs for these test batches down)?

Will the ale flavors be far enough off from a lager to kill my idea of test batches with ale yeast?

**Picobrew** · 08-20-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotdane

My father wants me to duplicate Aecht Gehlenferla Rauchbier (a lager) that he brought back from Germany. I have only one fermentation fridge and a long list of ales to brew. What's everyone's opinion of bre wwing my test batches using ale yeast to get the amount of smoke malt, color and hops part of the recipe dialed-in?

What ale yeast would be closest to a lager (preferrably a dry yeast to keep costs for these test batches down)?

Will the ale flavors be far enough off from a lager to kill my idea of test batches with ale yeast?

Wyeast 1007 is supposedly quite close to lager characteristics, especially when fermented at 55-60. However, it is a liquid yeast. US-05 is probably the best dry option, very clean. I bet the beer would be great with either one of those yeasts.

Another option would be a California Common yeast.

pilotdane · 08-20-2009, 08:07 PM

Thanks. I'll try doing my tests with S-05. I just ordered some a bunch of grains I've never used before. This should be fun.

Scooby_Brew · 08-20-2009, 08:19 PM

Yep, I agree with Picobrew:
1. Kolsch yeast
2. Steam Beer yeast
3. US-05