What's that consensus can't lager lager yeast?

[petep1980]

My lagering system is royally messed up. I think it's some Wyeast Krolsh yeast you guys use to ferment in the 60s and get lager characteristics. Can someone confirm this? Thanks.

 

[ArcaneXor]

If you are talking about Koelsch yeast, it's definitely an ale yeast. But it ferments at cooler temperatures than most other ale yeasts and produces a very clean flavor profile, as long as you wait until the sulfur notes disappear and give it a sufficient lagering period.

 

[petep1980]

Sweet. With a 1.044 OG any idea how long of a turnaround you're looking at than for each stage. I'll be around 62°F. Lagering will be mid 30s.

 

[ArcaneXor]

I'd leave it to ferment at 62 until it slows down, then let the temp free-rise to about 70ish for a d-rest and to maximize attenuation. Give it 10-14 days before lagering it for 2-6 weeks, depending on how patient your are.

Note: I only have experience with pale German beers brewed this way - this yeast and procedure might not work well at all for dark lagers and beers from other parts of the world.

 

[petep1980]

I am doing a pilsner, so it should be fine.