Help me pick a yeast for my porter

[BlackDogBrewing]

I'll be brewing a porter (extract) from a MoreBeer kit. The recipe is as follows:

Malt
7lbs ultralight
4oz maltodextrin

Steeping Grains
1 lb Crystal 40L
8 oz Black Patent
4 oz chocolate

Hops
1 oz Northern Brewer 60min
1 oz Cascade 5 min

MoreBeer recommends White Labs California Ale, 73-80% att, medium Floc. I've never used White Labs before, only Wyeast. I will be making a starter. The Wyeast equivalent is 1056 American. I searched on White Labs and Wyeast sites for recommended porter yeasts, and the ones that looked the most appropriate were the White Labs WLP 002 English, and the Wyeast 1098 British.
Any thoughts on what yeast would be the best fit for this particular recipe? While I love the porter style, I've never brewed one before. I have quite a few successful extract brews under my belt, but just need some advice on this one. Thanks.

 

[BigEd]

With the late Cascade addition that is an American style porter. The California ale yeast would be quite appropriate although you could use one of the UK strains if you wish.

 

[TipsyDragon]

i use Wyeast Labs 1056 American Ale and White Labs WLP001 California Ale in my porters.

 

[apparatus]

I love White Labs WLP02.

 

[IceFisherChris]

I brewed my porter with Wyeast Ringwood #1187 and I really like the taste that came out. Can't compare it to another yeast though.

 

[mmb]

With a porter, I usually go dry US-05 or S-04. With the level of roast and bitter I like in my brown porter and robust porter I can't pick up any appreciable hints of yeast ester anyway.

I figure if the yeast works as well as it does to those styles, why bother with a starter and liquid yeast? I save that particular headache for beer styles that don't have decent dry yeast available, like hefes and belgians...

 

[Palefire]

well, do you like more American porters (like SN Porter) or more English-style porters (like Fuller's)? That might help your decision. I agree, the Cascade hops indicate a more American style, but it would still probably be pretty tasty with an English yeast. I say just pick a yeast and go for it. Looks like a good recipe that'll turn out great whichever yeast you use!

 

[bruck]

You can't go wrong with 001 or 1056. I use WL001 more often then the 1056, but I have been repitiching it frequently.

 

[Freezeblade]

For porters I really enjoy ringwood, but it's not for everyone, and is a little of a temperamental yeast.

 

[android]

wyeast 1968/wlp002 - perfect for porter IMHO

 

[bad coffee]

S-04 did a great job in my vanilla porter.

B

 

[Nugent]

I had to use Wyeast 1728 for the porter that I just made. My washed 1275 smelled of death, so that was all that I had. I think that it will work, though.

 

[motobrewer]

another vote for wlp001

 

[brrman]

I always have used Whitbread WY1099 for my porters.

 

[BlackDogBrewing]

well, do you like more American porters (like SN Porter) or more English-style porters (like Fuller's)? That might help your decision. I agree, the Cascade hops indicate a more American style, but it would still probably be pretty tasty with an English yeast. I say just pick a yeast and go for it. Looks like a good recipe that'll turn out great whichever yeast you use!

I tend to prefer the English style Porters, but with the Cascade, I think I'll probably go with the American yeast. Thanks to everyone for their advice.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Considering you're using American hops I'd recommend sticking with an American yeast strain (that's just how I do things.) Don't underestimate dry yeast; they may be cheap but they are champs. US-05 FTW!!1! However if you don't care about that, I'd highly recommend S-04 (love it) if you want a slightly fruity ester profile or Nottingham (also great) which works fast and flocculates on the quick. In this past year, the ladyfriend and I have used the aforementioned three yeasts for the vast majority of our brews with amazing results.

If you'd like to use liquid yeast, try a California Ale or West Coast Ale strain.

 

[UncleDave]

I'd probably go with Notty. It should still give you plenty of American porter flavor and I really like its characteristics. Plus it is cheap.

 

[oldschool]

I really like wyeast 1028 london ale. I always use it and love it.

 

[bruck]

Is that all clear? Good luck with your obvious choice of yeast!

 

[Moose777]

Another vote for Wyeast 1028

 

[hoosbrewing]

I love WLP028 (Edinburgh) for anything that I want a little malt to shine through. I've done porters, stouts, and even an IIPA with great results.