Yeast Question

[TunaTarTar]

Hello I am new and just have my first batch of Mr. Beer fermenting but after reading these forums I just ordered a 6 1/2 gallon bucket setup from Northern Brewer. My question is if you find a lager recipe that you like but dont have equipment to lager can you use an ale yeast with that recipe? I know it will change the flavor profile but was just wondering what kind of effects that may cause. Thanks in advance.

 

[JLem]

Yes, you can. Like you said, it will change the profile, but you can make very excellent beers like this. You'll still want to ferment at as low a temperature as you can though. If you get into the high 60s or low 70s, you'll get further and further from the lager-like profile you're going for. You should use a clean ale yeast, like WLP001, or maybe even a German Kolsch stain (like WLP029 - German Ale). You could even try a California Common strain - a lager yeast that ferments nicely at cool ale temps (like WLP810 - San Fran Lager yeast)

Basically, an ale yeast and/or warmer temps will give you more fruity esters, but you'll still make good beer.

 

[TunaTarTar]

Great. Thanks for the help.