Wyeast 1214 or 3787

[GreenGoatee]

Planning a Belgian Dubbel for my next brew day and wondered if anyone has used both of these strains, and could recommend one over the other. Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[mkeckjr]

WY1214 is Chimay's strain, and WY3787 is Westmalle's strain. You could go grab the dubbel of both producers to compare the two; they are readily available almost everywhere. Chimay, for me, is extremely fruity, while Westmalle is much more balanced between fruitiness and spicy phenols. I prefer Westmalle's flavor profile between the two, and very rarely use Chimay in general. But if you like a fruitier Belgian beer (I think Chimay has a distinct candy-like flavor), maybe that's the one you want.

 

[beergolf]

WY1214 is Chimay's strain, and WY3787 is Westmalle's strain. You could go grab the dubbel of both producers to compare the two; they are readily available almost everywhere. Chimay, for me, is extremely fruity, while Westmalle is much more balanced between fruitiness and spicy phenols. I prefer Westmalle's flavor profile between the two, and very rarely use Chimay in general. But if you like a fruitier Belgian beer (I think Chimay has a distinct candy-like flavor), maybe that's the one you want.

This is pretty much my experience also. I like the fruity flavor of 1214, but sometimes it is too much. 3787 is a great yeast and one of my favorites. If it was my brew I would choose the 3787 for a dubbel.

 

[GreenGoatee]

Thanks guys. I like the idea of the side by side to get a feel for each.