Starter Sizes for California Commons

[danatroy]

Tried searching the archives, but couldn't come up with anything.

I am making a California Common this weekend which uses lager yeast fermented at ale temperatures.

Question: Should I make a lager sized starter or an ale sized starter?

 

[wolfman_48442]

Ale sized is fine.
I used a 1.6L starter that I'd made on my stir plate with excellent results.
It is slower than a typical ale, however, so prepare to be patient.
It took mine 2.5 weeks to go from 1.063 to 1.013 at 62F.

 

[Darwin18]

Mr. Malty has an option for hybrid.

 

[cmybeer]

I just had an excellent fermentation using San Francisco Lager yeast without a starter. It fermented warm and I didn't even think to make a starter because it is still kind of an ale. Fermentation done in a few weeks with 83% attenuation and no off flavors. I would still make one though just to be sure

 

[BrewinHooligan]

I made a simple 1 liter starter (walk by and swirl method) and went from 1.054 to 1.012 in 10 days at 62, though after I few days I slowly ramped up to 68 for a diacetyl rest. Worked great and it's my best tasting brew to date. Bottled yesterday and I just washed the White Labs San Francisco Lager yeast today. I love this yeast and will be using it for a Baltic Porter soon.