I have tried to lager many brews over the past year. I have a few things I am going to stick with in the future based on my experience. YMMV...
1) Ferment below 50F. My last was @48F, using S-189, and for the first time after two weeks, I have no diacetyl flavor. That may change, as I have said this before and boom...there it is.
2) Lager at 32F. My two 1 gal batches are doing this now and I can see my Tilt for the first time through the 1 Gal LBMB. I was hoping this would help with clarity and it seems to be! I had lagered around 34F but the difference in the temp is night and day. Just do it!
3) Warm fermenting with lager yeast can work. My best lager to date was an Ofest with 34/70 warm fermented at room temp. I can't remember how long the process went, but don't be shy is the main point.
4) Experiment. No matter what people say, no matter what the "standard" is, do your own test and experiments. Things work out differently for everyone. I have probably thrown out 7-8 gal of beer trying to find a good lager method. Yes, I have temp control methods and nothing has worked. My latest's is my best. Now I am going to move that 1 gal test to a 5 gal pressure ferment test. Only time will tell.
I hope this helps at least one person wanting to start brewing lagers. I have had a hell of a time with them. I am slowly figuring out how to get a good process down. Almost there!
1) Ferment below 50F. My last was @48F, using S-189, and for the first time after two weeks, I have no diacetyl flavor. That may change, as I have said this before and boom...there it is.
2) Lager at 32F. My two 1 gal batches are doing this now and I can see my Tilt for the first time through the 1 Gal LBMB. I was hoping this would help with clarity and it seems to be! I had lagered around 34F but the difference in the temp is night and day. Just do it!
3) Warm fermenting with lager yeast can work. My best lager to date was an Ofest with 34/70 warm fermented at room temp. I can't remember how long the process went, but don't be shy is the main point.
4) Experiment. No matter what people say, no matter what the "standard" is, do your own test and experiments. Things work out differently for everyone. I have probably thrown out 7-8 gal of beer trying to find a good lager method. Yes, I have temp control methods and nothing has worked. My latest's is my best. Now I am going to move that 1 gal test to a 5 gal pressure ferment test. Only time will tell.
I hope this helps at least one person wanting to start brewing lagers. I have had a hell of a time with them. I am slowly figuring out how to get a good process down. Almost there!
