Suggestions please
- Thread starter dooosh
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BigB
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Which lager you want to brew? AG, PM, or extract? If you are a new brewer and don't have the capability to strigently control temps from 68-32F, then I would avoid doing a lager - For now. But if you did want to do a lager and can control temps, I would do a simple Munich Helles or an Oktoberfest. The nice thing about the Helles is it is going to work better using dry W34/70 yeast. Granted you could do the Ofest with that yeast, but I would suggest using a liquid yeast for that though. If this is your first beer, I would really suggest you do an ale which is far more forgiving and will make it a little easier to get a good beer on the first try... in that case, if you like lighter beers like most Americans and Canadians are used to, then I would suggest doing a Kolsch.
PT Ray
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If you want the simplicity of a prehopped kit, Coopers offers two real lagers.
European Lager
Pilsener
They include a pure lager strain of yeast but only the usual 7 grams. For that reason you'll need to start fermentation around 65F and slowly bring it down between 50-60. After several weeks you bottle and condition. After the bottles have carbonated you store them in the fridge for several weeks in place of actual lagering. It's kind of a primitive method but will get you in the ballpark.
Your next option is to purchase a kit from a retailer such as a Red Lager from Midwest that contains unhopped extract, specialty grains and hops. They contain similar instructions as stated above.
Ideally you would need to purchase additional yeast which will enable you to start fermentation at 50 degrees. After fermentation is over in about 3 weeks you transfer to a secondary and lager at near freezing temps for several more weeks. If you're unable ferment below 60 I would suggest finding an ale recipe.
European Lager
Pilsener
They include a pure lager strain of yeast but only the usual 7 grams. For that reason you'll need to start fermentation around 65F and slowly bring it down between 50-60. After several weeks you bottle and condition. After the bottles have carbonated you store them in the fridge for several weeks in place of actual lagering. It's kind of a primitive method but will get you in the ballpark.
Your next option is to purchase a kit from a retailer such as a Red Lager from Midwest that contains unhopped extract, specialty grains and hops. They contain similar instructions as stated above.
Ideally you would need to purchase additional yeast which will enable you to start fermentation at 50 degrees. After fermentation is over in about 3 weeks you transfer to a secondary and lager at near freezing temps for several more weeks. If you're unable ferment below 60 I would suggest finding an ale recipe.
BigB
Well-Known Member
Very good advice PT Ray.
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