First time Lagering

[thatguy314]

I just got my temperature control setup. I'm breaking it in with an IPA this weekend. However, I've been dying to brew lager for a long time, and I was wondering

1) What's a good style of lager to begin with?
2) Are there any tips / tricks to lager brewing I should be aware of, in addition to the increased amount of yeast required.

[brewinhard]

I would say you should start with a more forgiving style of lager like an Oktoberfest instead of say an american light lager. Any malty style lager will definitely hide any flaws or off flavors that might occur in your first attempt. Besides needing a much larger starter, pitching cold (48-50 degrees), lots of oxygen for aeration, temperature control throughout, and pure patience will give you a good product. Do not rush your lager at all. Be sure to give it at least two weeks and maybe even 20 days to finish. If you are using a yeast prone to diacetyl production then make sure to give it a nice rest at warmer temps (high 50's to low 60's) for a couple days before sending the beer into a keg or carboy for lagering 4 wks. If you are racking the beer to a carboy for lagering, be sure to fill the carboy ALL the way to the top to minimize oxidation during the long term cold storage.

[ajdelange]

I
2) Are there any tips / tricks to lager brewing I should be aware of, in addition to the increased amount of yeast required.

Dozzens. I highly recommend Greg Noonan's "Brewing Lager Beer". I've seen it described in this forum as being "too technical" and while I don't share that opinion successfull lager brewing is enough different from ale brewing that describing it takes a whole book and perhaps all those details are what is frightening people off. Perhaps you won't get everything on the first reading but as your experience grows you should be able to appreciate more and more of it.