Cal Ale - US-05 vs WLP001 vs 1056

[Jimbo]

Time after time, I realize that I'm ready to have a "spontaneous" brew day. Usually that means that I've not prepared a "proper" starter - http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html

That being the case, I've really enjoyed the "freedom" of the US-05 Cal Ale yeast for those brews that use it. My palate is not sophisticated enough to tell the difference and I'm curious what others think! Is it worth "delaying" a brew day 'cause the starter's not going?

[rhino777]

You don't need a starter for the US-05 because it's a dry yeast. I always have at least one pack sitting around for those spontaneous brew day and have had really good luck with it. Just make sure to rehydrate it at least.

[Jimbo]

Yeah, I kinda got the no-starter with dry yeast idea

I do starters with WLP001...

Just saying, it's nice to have a pack of US-05 sittin' in the fridge...

[huskerbrew]

I always use US-05 for any thing but the highly specialized applications like belgains or bavarian wheats, etc. Always ferments clean and costs 75% less than liquid. I know there are some liquid yeast snobs out there, but for my money US-05 does probably 80% of my brewing. BTW S-04 is also fantastic if you haven't tried it.

[numsquat]

I always use US-05 for any thing but the highly specialized applications like belgains or bavarian wheats, etc. Always ferments clean and costs 75% less than liquid. I know there are some liquid yeast snobs out there, but for my money US-05 does probably 80% of my brewing. BTW S-04 is also fantastic if you haven't tried it.

Same here, mainly use US-05 & S-04. Both do very well with beer and have also used in ciders.

[bluelou6]

I brewed 10 gallons of APA on Saturday. I am fermenting 5 gallons with 1056 and 5 gallons with the US-05. If the US-05 does well, it will be nice to not have to make starters all of the time.

[BrewTa2]

I really like using 04 and 05 for appropriate styles. I use 2 packs per 5 gallon batch - might as well they're cheap enough and the fermentation really takes off.

[Jimbo]

You know, it's funny...

The posts pretty much support US-05 use, BUT the votes say otherwise! WLP001 seems to be winning - I guess they're just too shy to confess WLP001 makes BETTER beer than US-05 in public?