boo boo said:
I have a problem with any info that tells a homebrewer to pitch lager yeast warm and when signs of fermentation start, lower to fermentation temps.
While I might agree with you, that
is exactly what is recommended in many brewing books and other sources. In fact:
Shake yeast well, open cap carefully, add to 5 gallons of aerated wort at 70-75°F. Keep at this temperature until fermentation begins. One vial will usually start fermentation in 5-15 hours. The keys to a quick start are good aeration and temperature over 70°F at all times until fermentation begins.
from the instructions on a vial of White Labs WLP830 German Lager yeast
That's not how I plan on using this yeast, but there ya go. I'm going to do the modified Narziss fermentation recommended in
Brewing Classic Styles, where you pitch into very cold wort (44°F or so) and allow the beer to rise to fermentation temps over a couple of days.
Chad