Using two yeasts in fermentation.

[rich]

Hey Guys,

I recently found a recipe that calls for fermentation using a lager yeast and an ale yeast. Of course there wasn't any instruction on how to proceed. I gather that there is a method to this madness and was wondering if anyone knew of any guidelines to follow when using two yeasts (and in this case, a lager and ale yeast?!?).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[ray m]

This wasn't a black & tan recipe, where 1/2 the batch was a lager and the other 1/2 was a porter or stout, was it?

[rich]

It is actually a Baltic Porter recipe that I found online.

Speaking of black and tan, had one last night. But those are both ales I think (stout and pale ale?).

[ray m]

I think you're right, but there are 2 or 3 recipes in a couple books I have that call for brewing 2.5 gallons of a light lager and 2.5 gallons of porter, then mixing them in the 2ndary. Not, by any means, a true B & T in my book.

In answer to your question (and others may disagree), I would try to get the wort down to a temp @ 63* or 64*, and just pitch both yeasts simultaneously. Could turn out to produce a very interesting beer!!

Good luck---let us know how it turns if you decide to press onward in this quest.:)