Using California Lager Yeast

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by CarolusP, Oct 3, 2017.

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  1. CarolusP

    CarolusP Zealot (590) Oct 22, 2015 Minnesota

    For my next brew I'm looking at doing a clone recipe of New Belgium's 1554. Since I don't have the equipment to maintain true lager temps, I'm looking at using Wyeast's California Lager yeast. Ambient temp in my basement is around 60 degrees ±2. For all intents and purposes, can I just treat this like an ale yeast (2-3 weeks in primary then package), or is there anything else I need to be aware of?
     
  2. scottakelly

    scottakelly Maven (1,487) May 9, 2007 Ohio

    I have done this before with W 34-70, but not with Cal Lager. Primary fermentation times are very similar to an ale, but imo the beer still needs to be lagered afterwards. If you bottle or keg I would give it some extra time in the fridge before consuming.
     
  3. MostlyNorwegian

    MostlyNorwegian Pooh-Bah (2,236) Feb 5, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    Pretty much. Yes. I get beers I brew with that yeast in bottles in that time. It'll still take another couple weeks to condition and become what it should be.
     
  4. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    I recommend the 34/70 or the S-189 for that style of beer. Both will ferment clean in the mid 60's. The California Lager yeast is very nice but not nearly as clean. Good luck!
     
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  5. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    I have had decent results with Mangrove Jack's California Lager Yeast. I used it for a Baltic Porter. I thought it came out pretty clean, but maybe its a big beer with a lot of malt character. Still, I bet it would do OK for something like 1554.
     
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