Beerbruce

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We make mostly ales but just did a Pre-Pro Lager from Northern Brewer recipe. We were concerned about keeping temp low enough during fermentation and read that using ale years is ok...we used White Labs Calif. ALe yeast...anyone else with thoughts on this, experiences, results?

Brewsmith

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If you used CA Ale yeast, then you have an ale, and not a lager. It will still be beer, though.

What temperature was it fermenting at?

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boo boo

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Brewing at a lower temp with an ale yeast (at least to the lowest point recommended for the yeast) will give a cleaner, less fruity taste. But it still is an ale.

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Craig5_12

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Isn't an ale yeast at lager temperature also called a "steam" beer, or am I off my rocker?

aseelye

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steam/california common is brewing a lager at a higher temp, usually hoppier. There's a special lagering yeast that was developed to ferment at 55-65 with no off flavors. Ale yeast at lager temperature is just a slow fermenter, no chance of off flavors, and little chance of complete fermentation within the normal timeframe.

Craig5_12

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Thanks for the clarification, I guess I was a little lysdexic.