What can I do with this yeast?

[Stauffbier]

I have a pack of wyeast oktoberfest lager yeast. I can't do lagering since I don't have the ability to lager. I've done the swamp cooler thing with a lager, and it's just too much work and effort to maintain a low lagering temp. Can I ferment with this lager yeast at ale temps and get any kind of decent brew? I was also thinking of experimenting by using it to make wine (or hooch).. Have any of you ever made a "non beer" beverage with beer yeast like this before?

 

[wailingguitar]

I have never used that specific yeast, so I can comment on it's particulars, but I have made good beers with lager yeast at room temp. Obviously they don't taste the same as when properly lagered, but good none the less.

Prior to having proper lagering ability at home, I would freeze empty 2 liter bottles of water and place them around my carboy along with freezer cold packs packs, wrap a couple towels or a blanket around them and let it be. Swap the cold stuff 2x a day. Only took a couple minutes of my time. I never actually measured the temp of the beer, BUT I can honestly say that I was getting lovely, clean lagers doing this. Not perfect, but it did the job.

 

[Stauffbier]

I have never used that specific yeast, so I can comment on it's particulars, but I have made good beers with lager yeast at room temp. Obviously they don't taste the same as when properly lagered, but good none the less.

Prior to having proper lagering ability at home, I would freeze empty 2 liter bottles of water and place them around my carboy along with freezer cold packs packs, wrap a couple towels or a blanket around them and let it be. Swap the cold stuff 2x a day. Only took a couple minutes of my time. I never actually measured the temp of the beer, BUT I can honestly say that I was getting lovely, clean lagers doing this. Not perfect, but it did the job.

I'm doing the exact same thing with a lager right now. I know it's only a couple minutes twice a day, but it still seems like a lot of trouble. It also takes up too much space in my freezer with all of the frozen bottles and jugs.. I might just try the room temp fermentation and see what happens..

 

[BierStreet]

Just used that yeast in a vienna lager, I really like it but I don't know how it would do in warmer temps, we fermented at 53ish F. You could probably do a steam beer with it.

 

[Stauffbier]

Any suggestions on a grain bill for a steam beer with this yeast?