Which kolsch yeast?

[green_giant43]

I've heard things about both WL and Wyeast's kolsch yeasts. What do you guys prefer? I'm looking for a slight fruitiness but I also want it to clear in about 2 months lagering time (which each should be able to do.)

 

[MaxStout]

Never used the WL but have used the Wyeast Kolsch yeast. Primary at upper 50s for a couple weeks, bump up a few days for a diacetyl rest, then gradually drop to mid-30s for lagering.

 

[JonM]

They're different strains. The Wyeast likes mid- to low-50s, the White Labs likes mid- to low 60s. I guess the choice partly depends on what your temp control can do.

 

[botigol]

I have only used WY2565 and like it, except for the yeast being so fluffy. I have read that the White Labs strain gives a more minerally taste.

 

[BrotherBock]

I've used Wyeast Kolsch before. Didn't do any lagering and it dropped real clear in less than 2 months in the fermenter.

 

[green_giant43]

WOuld it be fine to lager either at about 35-40 degrees? If I can just lager in the keg in my kegerator, that would be great.

Also, temp control for primary fermentation is no big deal as I have a fridge with a temp controller.

 

[dfhar]

WLP029 is definitely from Fruh, WY2565 is rumored to be from Paffgen. Depends on which Kolsch you prefer!

I prefer WLP029. Really great slight white wine grapey-ness. It's not flocculant, but it clears a lot faster than WY2565. 2565 tastes cleaner and is happy going down to a lower temperature for primary fermentation. Either one is fine lagering at 30-40.

 

[green_giant43]

WLP029 is definitely from Fruh, WY2565 is rumored to be from Paffgen. Depends on which Kolsch you prefer!

I prefer WLP029. Really great slight white wine grapey-ness. It's not flocculant, but it clears a lot faster than WY2565. 2565 tastes cleaner and is happy going down to a lower temperature for primary fermentation. Either one is fine lagering at 30-40.

Exactly what I was looking for. Not sure what I want yet but thank you.

 

[TastyAdventure]

How long should I give WL029 in primary before cold crashing and "lagering"? Would 3 weeks be enough?

 

[dfhar]

Heavens, 3 weeks is plenty of time. I think my last 029 Kolsch fermented down to FG within 7 days at 62 F.

Give it 7 days in the primary, take a gravity reading. Give it another day and take another reading. If it's the same (and within a point or two of your expected FG), the beer is done fermenting. After that, I typically give it another 3-5 days in the fermenter to clean up a little more, at which point I crash and keg with gelatin.

You're not going to hurt it by leaving it in the primary for 3 weeks, though.

 

[TastyAdventure]

I didn't mean time for getting to FG, but time for it to clean up after itself. Thanks for the feedback