Thanks for the all the feedback about the WLP095 yeast. I decided based on the comments here that it was worth giving it a shot to save me the 2 hour trip it would take to try to get some of the vermont ale yeast from TYB. This weekend was my first time brewing the recipe so I won't have much to compare to, but I'll post back here in a few weeks with how it turned out in case anyone else was thinking about trying that yeast.
My guess based on their marketing is that it probably is a Conan strain, but unless someone from White Labs can clarify, it'll probably be awhile before we know for sure. If for some reason this batch doesn't turn out how I expect, I figure I'll just plan on doing a split batch to compare the 2 yeasts the next time I brew this style![]()
I have now brewed this with 6 different yeasts..... Conan, 1318, 1056, 1272, 1450, 007...... every one worked just fine. To be honest, 1318 is my least favorite so far (and that is probably actually one of the favorites for most people). There have been several others who have used still other yeasts - even lager yeasts. I really have yet to hear anyone say "Damn, I ruined this beer because of the yeast I chose." I am thoroughly convinced the ultimate "key" to beers like this has a lot more to do with Hop selection, Hop schedule, Grain bill with low caramel/crystal and plenty of flaked grains..... Short of using a hefe yeast, or a belgian yeast etc..... I think there is a broad group of yeasts that will make this beer.