Hi folks! I'm interested in trying out Lutra. I'd like to try it in a beer which is straightforward enough that I can actually pick up on any flavours that are coming from the yeast, but ideally robust enough in its own right that it won't be the end of the world if I get something I don't totally love those flavours. I can't imagine that a batch of Kolsch with some slightly jarring yeast character would be much fun to drink, but I also can't imagine I'd learn much from trying a new yeast in a Barrel-Aged Mexican Mole Imperial Stout or a Milkshake IPA or something. I was thinking maybe a Marzen or a Vienna Lager style recipe might be a good bet. Any thoughts? Examples of Lutra beers that turned out well? Thanks!
I have no personal experience fermenting with Lutra Yeast but I have read that it can be used to produce a pseudo-lager beer. Here is an article that might be of interest: https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/8/8/410 Cheers!
I've heard mixed reports about exactly how "clean and lager-like" it is, which is why I'm approaching it with a bit of caution...
I have been unimpressed with every Kveik (including Lutra) "lager" I've tasted. And I've been waiting since the beginning of the Kveik craze for someone to report a best of show round medal or even a flight first place from a large competition. Still waiting.
Hence the term "pseudo-lager". Which is prudent but if your expectation with using Lutra to produce a beer 'exactly' the same as using a lager yeast strain fermented cool/cold I suspect you will be disappointed. I have a thought that Lutra provides folks who are unable (or choose to not conduct) to brew a lager due to lack of cooling capability to brew a lager-like beer. Also with the benefit of a short production time. My suggestion is to give it a try (if you are willing) and share with us your thoughts. And it seems to me brewing a Kolsch-like beer would be a good idea here. Cheers!
Hmmm, I might try for something like an authenticity-is-for-nerds "Oktoberfest Ale" - Pilsner, Munich and Vienna malt and some random clean bittering hop from the stash. Hopefully I'll get something malty and easy drinking and see get to see how the yeast performs without a load of late hop character to obfuscate it. And not trying too hard for authenticity means I won't be too bothered when I don't get a perfect Augustiner clone.
Lutra is good yeast, and a fun one to play with. However, you will never win a competition trying to enter it as a lager. It definitely has that unique kveik flavor. Your idea of using it in something on the malty side is a good one. I’ve had it with a grain bill similar to Vienna lager or Marzen and it’s very drinkable. I’m also not a big fan of hoppy beers with Lutra. I think it takes away from the hops.
It’s probably one of the most reliable yeasts imo, and you’ll have a very clean tasting beer with a super fast turnaround. If you have the time, and fermentation control I’d say use a lager yeast but you won’t be disappointed with Lutra either. I’ll be using it on my festbier this month!
