lager 1.043 OG, can i just dump in a dry yeast packet?

[fredthecat]

hi, i've never made a lager before. an ale of 1.043 i'd feel pretty safe dumping in a safeale dry yeast packet, but lagers seem to have starters suggested. however could i use a single W34/70 packet for 20 litres of 1.043 dunkel? any suggestions? i want a clean ferm

 

[Cyclman]

I would hydrate it first, or you lose lots of the viable yeast (I have seen estimates of 50%). According to mrmalty, you'd be fine doing that.

 

[fredthecat]

ok thanks. yeah, i'll hydrate it. cool, with the yeast sludge after this dunkel i want to make a high OG maibock

 

[Nameless_Matt]

You're doing exactly what I did before Christmas

I've got by standard lager, lagering away now and my bock is fermenting for another few days.

I rehydrated and used 2 sachets of the w-34/70 in my first lager and then when racking for lagering I left just under I litre of Beer in the primary to swirl up the yeast and then separated the yeast and trub.

Depending on the strength of your bock you're likely to be over pitching by a factor of 3x if you just dump it onto the yeast cake.

Plenty of people will tell you that's not an issue, and just do it - some will warn you of the potential issues of over pitching.

I haven't done it so can't tell you ;p

Good luck And happy brewing