Ale yeast instead of Lager yeast

[jdc567]

Was wondering if an ale yeast can replace a lager yeast for most recipes? I understand the difference and characteristics between the two and that the beer style won't be accurate. Wanting to do a festival beer, something like an Oktoberfest, however, use an ale yeast. If I do use an ale yeast will I still let it set for the 3-4 months in secondary or is that only for the lagering process.

[Bruno_78]

I've never understood this precedure. I know a couple guys (including our local brewery, I believe) that use a german ale yeast for their Okto. If you're going to go through all the trouble to make this style, and you're willing to let it age for that amount of time anyway, why not use a lager yeast and get the proper characteristics?

The main reason that I've seen this done is for time. You seem to have plenty of time.

[I'mRocketMan]

^^^OR he doesn't have a lagering fridge...

[brewmonkey]

Sure, I used to do it all the time when time was of the essence. Using something like a San Francisco Lager yeast will also work.

I know plenty of brewers who use an ale strain for their Oktoberfest but the trick is to find an ale strain that can ferment at a lower temp but not quite a lager temp, say 58-60F. This will allow a cleaner flavor profile like a lager strain would offer without having to worry about a 3 week primary and then an extended lagering time.

The big things to look for in addition to the temp issue is the yeasts flavor profile and flocculation. It does no good to have a strain that is going to be super fruity, like WLP041 or WLP051.

You should also check the yeasts ability to mask hop character. You would want to find a yeast that is similar in character to the lager strain you will be replacing. Some yeasts are great at masking hop character while others accent it. Understand that aspect of the yeast will help you determine a hop charge for the recipe.

[jdc567]

Sorry for the lapse, I don't have a lagering fridge. Would be in the basement at around 60 degrees. So essentially I can do the Okto recipe with a clean finishing ale yeast and ferment as a normal ale with the primary and secondary. I am going to keg this batch. How long can it stay in a keg to mellow w/o refridgeration or carbonation (at 60 degrees)?
Reasoning behind this insanity - its for a tailgating party for a football game in Sept. Just wanted to have a good seasonal brew that has had time to mellow and get happy.

[HogieWan]

If you can get down to 60, use WYeast 2112 (i think) - it's the california lager. it's a lager yeast with lager characteristics up to 65 degrees.

[brewmonkey]

Originally posted by HogieWan
If you can get down to 60, use WYeast 2112 (i think) - it's the california lager. it's a lager yeast with lager characteristics up to 65 degrees.

That is the one I would go with. If you are looking for a maltier beer you can also go with some of the Scottish Ale strains as they ferment well at lower temps.

[jdc567]

Was thinking about Wyeast 1007 German Ale. I read that it finished dry and crisp and will work with the temp. Not sure what they mean by a rocky head though. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

[HogieWan]

A clean fermenting ale yeast won't be as clean as a true lager strain. If I could get below 65, I'd make lagers with the 2112, but my apartment sits above 70 constantly, so I brew ales.

[Grog]

Originally posted by jdc567
Was thinking about Wyeast 1007 German Ale. I read that it finished dry and crisp and will work with the temp. Not sure what they mean by a rocky head though. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

It means you KNOW when you have krausen! This yeast is very slow to clear though, so unless you plan on using finings of some sort, you may want to consider the 2112 (which is one of my favorite yeasts for 58°F to 62°F)

[jdc567]

Great info! Thanks for all the input. Will let you know how it turns out. Happy aleing to all.....

[HarkJohnny]

maybe you could try a 5150 with that 2112. OU812? Well, I got some 311 for 50 cents.

sorry... couldn't resist!

[HogieWan]

sometimes bad jokes make me laugh more than good ones