First lager: s-23, wlp800, or wyeast 2001

[timbudtwo]

I am planning on making PoB's blue ribbon saphir (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f58/pobs-blue-ribbon-saphir-pilsner-192667/) for my first lager and I have question about the yeast.

I have always used Wyeast brand smack packs and have been satisfied with their performance. However, I have read that I am going to need to make a starter for my yeast to get a good lager. Do I need to make a starter with a smack pack?

Also, the recipe calls for s-23 yeast but I have heard that this yeast can be difficult to work with and often gives you an overly fruity beer. I would like to avoid that so I was thinking of swapping out for Wlp800 or Wyeast 2001.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[indigi]

Yes, you'll need a starter with a smack pack. I'd go with one of the liquid strains because I've heard a lot more horror stories about s-23 than I have any liquid strain of lager yeast.

 

[timbudtwo]

Yes, you'll need a starter with a smack pack. I'd go with one of the liquid strains because I've heard a lot more horror stories about s-23 than I have any liquid strain of lager yeast.

Okay.
I have found the wlp800 and wy2100 used almost interchangeably, is there a noticeable difference between the two?

 

[Malticulous]

If you don't want to make a gallon starter Saflager 34/70 will work very well.

 

[timbudtwo]

If you don't want to make a gallon starter Saflager 34/70 will work very well.

I have no problem making a starter. And looking around people have done everything from 1-2 quarts for their starter. Why would I make a gallon?

 

[BrookdaleBrew]

I have no problem making a starter. And looking around people have done everything from 1-2 quarts for their starter. Why would I make a gallon?

Because you need to pitch 4 times as much yeast in a lager as you do in an ale.

The yeast pitching calculator here is a great tool: http://www.mrmalty.com

 

[timbudtwo]

Because you need to pitch 4 times as much yeast in a lager as you do in an ale.

The yeast pitching calculator here is a great tool: http://www.mrmalty.com

Yeah, used that. Said I need just over one liter of starter. (Btw, I have a stirplate)

 

[passedpawn]

I totally disagree with the fruity comments regarding S-23. I think it leaves a bit of a perfumey flavor that I really dig. I've compared this vs. 34/70 vs. liquid. It's a bit different, but in a good way for a pilsner.

 

[timbudtwo]

Well, I kinda want to stay away from perfumey tastes/smells so I think ill go with either the wlp or the wyeast. However, the wyeast seems to be made more for a lager and the wlp is more a hefe yeast. Is this true?

 

[smp1]

Wyeast 2001 is the Urquell strain. WLP 800 is noted as a "Czech Pilsner yeast from the premiere brewer", so I think you can consider them equals. I've always thought the Urquell strain left a bit of a sulfer aroma, but not objectionable. Wyeast 2001 is a slow starter in 50 deg. wort, and a 1-litre starter is hardly adequate, even on a stirplate.

 

[timbudtwo]

Wyeast 2001 is the Urquell strain. WLP 800 is noted as a "Czech Pilsner yeast from the premiere brewer", so I think you can consider them equals. I've always thought the Urquell strain left a bit of a sulfer aroma, but not objectionable. Wyeast 2001 is a slow starter in 50 deg. wort, and a 1-litre starter is hardly adequate, even on a stirplate.

From mrmalty: I aged the yeast 1.5 weeks to make it realistic to what I would get from my lhbs. 1.047 OG, 5.25 gals, and put it on a stir plate. Starter Required: 1.17 liters.

 

[Malticulous]

From mrmalty: I aged the yeast 1.5 weeks to make it realistic to what I would get from my lhbs. 1.047 OG, 5.25 gals, and put it on a stir plate. Starter Required: 1.17 liters.

Make sure to pitch that over 70F as per the instructions.

 

[xerotime]

From mrmalty: I aged the yeast 1.5 weeks to make it realistic to what I would get from my lhbs. 1.047 OG, 5.25 gals, and put it on a stir plate. Starter Required: 1.17 liters.

Note that says you are starting with 2 vials or smack packs to only need 1.17 Liters. If you move the slider at the bottom to reflect using only 1 pack/vial to start you will need a 2.91 Liter starter.