First go at an AG lager

bigdave · Post by **bigdave** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 10:59 pm

I'm hoping to get a go at brewing my first AG lager over the next few weeks. My intention is to ferment this in the garage as the autumn temperatures seem just about right, then rack off into a spare keg and leave it under the work bench till January.

I've splashed out on WLP802 (Czech Budejovice) as I'm wanting a really crisp lager...

As always, any thoughts are welcome

6470zzy · Post by **6470zzy** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:24 pm

Will you be making a yeast starter for this as it is a lager? Also I am curious as to the Aramis hops as I have not had experience with them before, what are they like?

Cheers

bigdave · Post by **bigdave** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:38 pm

Yep. Think ill split the vile, store one half and step the other up for a starter.

The Aramis sounded like an interesting alternative to the usual lager hops.

jmc · Post by **jmc** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 12:19 am

Brew looks interesting.
EBU is in the right range according to John Palmer.

I've used Aramis before in a Saison and they provide a bit of spice.

Classic style would be to add noble hops so I'd be interested on how it turns out.

Main thing that's been putting me off doing a proper lager is my very hard tap water. True pilsners use incredible soft water with few salts.

If I did one I'd be tempted to use RO or Tesco value bottled water.

bigdave · Post by **bigdave** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:18 am

I have hard water here in York so might have to go for tesco value.

jmc · Post by **jmc** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 10:22 am

Hi Dave

More info on Tesco Value water in links below:

Tesco Bottled Water

De ionised vs bottled for Starsan

Tesco Everyday Value Still Water 2Ltr - 17p

bigdave · Post by **bigdave** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 10:29 am

Cheers.

AdyG · Post by **AdyG** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:37 pm

Our water in Leicester is not suitable for lager either apparently. People recommend buying the RO water from Aquatics shops.

I'm planning to do one myself after christmas, but I have got a little fridge in the garage now for lagering purposes... if I can stand to have it in full use for 3 months!

Rookie · Post by **Rookie** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 5:04 pm

jmc wrote:Brew looks interesting.
EBU is in the right range according to John Palmer.

I've used Aramis before in a Saison and they provide a bit of spice.

Classic style would be to add noble hops so I'd be interested on how it turns out.

Main thing that's been putting me off doing a proper lager is my very hard tap water. True pilsners use incredible soft water with few salts.

If I did one I'd be tempted to use RO or Tesco value bottled water.

Dortmunder is a lager that needs hard water to do it right.

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