What would happen If I use Saflager instead of Nottingham ale in an English Pale Ale, would it not ferment out if I didn't Lager it? I've never done a Lager (don't have the equipment or environment), but messed up and ordered a lager yeast and don't want to throw it away.
Some things to consider about lager yeast.....It essentially ferments from the bottom to the top, opposite of ale yeast, and therefore a closed fermentation is pretty much essential to ward off wild yeasts and other bacteria contamination. Also, fermentation takes place best (although not exclusively) at lower temperatures than ale yeast. If you have a closed system and can keep the temp at or below 60F, then I would go ahead and do it, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Sanitation is of utmost concern. By the way, Saf also makes ale strains in addition to the lager, and these, IMHO are FAR superior to the nottingham varieties. Just take a look at the amount of wild yeast that nottingham vs Saf has, should give an idea of which I would use.
Thank you all, I think I will order the SAF ale yeast and try for a steam beer later (Yodar, I've never had steam beer, but I may try it after I get this pale ale done,nothing ventured eh?)
Again,thanks I have benefited fom all of your experience over the last few months just by reading the posts. You guys ROCK!!!! Monkeyboy
"Simulating" being the key word...many people think that ANY lager yeast fermented warm will make a steam beer...not so! You need a specific strain that's evolved to work under those conditions.
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