Beer Forum

Just curious as this is my first lager. I am using WLP820 at 50F and have had a good krausen for 5 days now is that normal. I am just used to the krausen going away after a couple days with ales. Im not that worried about just wondering.

Thanks

Perfectly normal. Lagers take longer. I usually leave lagers in the fermentor for 10 days to two weeks or more. Just let it finish, give it a few extra days for the yeast to clean up, taste it to see if a diacetyl rest is called for, crash, keg, lager, and drink.

Thats kind of what i figured just making sure

Thanks for the reply

I have tried that strain 3 times and each of the three was a dismal failure. As I recall the fermentation would start normally then come to a screeching halt with the result that it took over a month in the fermenter to get to get, in the worst case 52, and in the others 72% apparent attenuation. And the beer had funny flavors as well though it was drinkable - in fact quite good though obviously sweet. This is probably because I had to operate at higher temperatures than desired to keep the fermentation going at all. I've had much better luck with the Wyeast strain. I've never had a lager drop so clear so fast. Could it have been something other than the yeast? Yes, I suppose so but should you find the fermentation taking what seems to be an innordinate length of time then you will not be the first to have that experience.

Its actually only been fermenting for a week so not necesarily an "innordinate length of time " yet. Just noticed that the krausen has been around longer than my ales. I figure it still has at least a week if not 2 left to go before keging and lagering.

Haven't used that one yet. I've used 830 several times now and just used 800 once and they've been getting in the mid-upper 70's in AA.

I'll add to the "it's normal" camp. My lagers usually don't show krausen or bubbling for 3 or 4 days and then they take off like a bat out of hell. I've tried a couple different fermentation schedules on my lagers. I've done the 50° for the duration thing and that was good. My favorite schedule is now letting the temp gradually rise after holding at 50° for 4-6 days. Finishes out a little quicker and so far has still remained clean.