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?
     
    #1 CarolusP, Oct 3, 2017
  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.
     
    #2 scottakelly, Oct 3, 2017
  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.
     
    #3 MostlyNorwegian, Oct 3, 2017
  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!
     
    #4 premierpro, Oct 3, 2017
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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.
     
    #5 pweis909, Oct 4, 2017
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