Mixing yeasts

[DamianH2]

Hi All

 

I am planning to start on a Dark Pils, but re-checking everything the recipe calls for

 

15g European Lager yeast (W-34/70) and/or kit yeast

 

I have bought the W-34/70, but this is only 11.5g sachet. As I've read that lagers like more yeast than an ale, what would be my best option? Use both this and the kit yeast, or go get another sachet of 34/70?

 

Thanks,

 

Damian

[Hairy]

I would just add the kit yeast to it. It is a true lager yeast and should be fine.

[Beerlust]

Hi DamianH2.

 

I agree with Hairy to a point. The temperature you plan to ferment this beer at is the deciding factor on whether to add the kit yeast as well.

 

With lager brewing, the lower the temperature you plan to ferment at, the more yeast you need to pitch.

 

Simple as that.

 

So the obvious question to ask is, what temperature do you plan to ferment this beer at? [unsure]

 

Cheers,

 

Anthony.

[Scottie]

I would just add the kit yeast to it. It is a true lager yeast and should be fine.

What [w00t]

[Scottie]

I have bought the W-34/70' date=' but this is only 11.5g sachet.[/quote']

Hey Damian

I'm going to go out on a limb here, flame suit an all, and say that then W34/70 will handle that brew no probs. My current brew is spot on, a Helles Lager fermented at 12'C with 11.5g of W34/70 and an OG of 1.047.

[Beerlust]

I'm going to go out on a limb here...

I'm quite happy to sit on that limb with you Scottie regarding your position.

 

Actually, despite the fact I'm losing weight atm, maybe I'll sit on the branch next to you! [lol]

 

[biggrin]

 

Cheers,

 

Anthony.

[DamianH2]

Thanks for the help guys.

 

I have no real temperature control, but my basement is sitting a about 10 deg at the moment and I can raise this temp if winter really kicks in. From previous brews these have been about 2 deg higher than room temp.

 

My initial idea was to add some dex (400g) to this brew to raise the ABV up a little. Hence maybe needing to ensure I have enough yest for the fermentables.

 

Feedback more than welcome!

 

Damian

 

 

[Hairy]

I would just add the kit yeast to it. It is a true lager yeast and should be fine.

What [w00t]

Yes. My preference would be to pitch two packets of W-34/70 or alternatively one packet with the kit yeast; and pitch at lager temps.

 

Not saying one packet won't work but I would prefer to pitch not to.

[Scottie]

My preference would be to pitch two packets of W-34/70 or alternatively one packet with the kit yeast; and pitch at lager temps.

Not saying one packet won't work but I would prefer to pitch not to.

[cool] I thought you were suggesting just the kit yeast, I had my beer goggles on.

Now I'm wondering and not really for Damian's benefit so I apologise. What if I were in this position with not enough dry lager yeast; could I make a starter and step t up?

[Hairy]

No problems. Looking back I can see how you could read it that way.

 

Yeah, you could step up the dry yeast.