San Fran Lager Yeast

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DougBrew

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Ok, so I know that these guys can ferment at ale temps, but if that is done... is it an ale or a lager? I mean it's lager yeast, right?

I ask only because I recently brewed my first lager only to find out that neither my primary or secondary fit into my make shift lagerator (I know... if I had a brain, I'd be dangerous). Anyways, my buds come over and they ask me what I've got on tap and the best answer I could come up with was, "Well, if I had to guess... I'd say it's beer." :mug:
 
You're referring to California common or steam beer. It's fermented with lager yeast at ale temperatures, resulting in a unique flavor profile.
 
Ok, so I know that these guys can ferment at ale temps, but if that is done... is it an ale or a lager?

It's a steam beer, which many people consider the only truly American style of beer. BJCP calls it a "hybrid" style (though they also incorrectly assume that any steam/Cali common should be a clone of Anchor steam when really it's just another way of making a wide variety of beers).
 
Just keep in mind that the recommended temps for those two yeasts are 58-65/68 so if you ferment it in the low 70s ambient, like many hombrewers tend to ferment their ales, you're going to get some funky byproducts.
 
I generally kept the temp down in the 60's and it tastes just fine. Interesting, I'll have to call the boys up and let them know what they drank this weekend.
 
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