Brewday 12th March - Vienna Lager

[DarloDave]

What advantages does it have over the 34/70 dried? I dont really know much about lager yeasts so trying to learn. Is it just that its cleaner?

[mysterio]

IMO it just tastes much better. Cleaner is a good way of putting it I suppose. Closer to a good commercial lager. I have not been happy with the lagers I've made with W 34/70 apart from an Oktoberfest I did with re-pitched slurry. I gave it a good chance, made about 4 lagers with it. I even tried 10 packets in a 10 gallon batch once.

I do make a gallon starter on a stir plate (home made) with the liquid though. If you're prepared to spend a few extra quid then it's well worth experimenting with.

[bosium]

Yep, +1 on Czech yeast. I've used the Urquell strain for three batches now (1 still fermenting) and I've been more than happy with the results. Will probably keep on using this strain as I am getting a feel for how it ferments and I have no real reason to change. It makes great lager.

[mysterio]

Yeah same, although I'm tempted to give the Ayinger strain a go.

[mysterio]

This took a Bronze in the International Beer Challenge in the lager category, quite pleased with that seeing as it's my first comp.

My Rauchbier dive bombed though, I thought it was a better beer!!

[bosium]

Congrats! How do you enter? Did it cost anything?

[196osh]

Well done mate. Great beer.