Oktoberfest (WLP820/833) FG

[TimmyR]

Hmph. At 4-weeks, both 5-gal batches of a 1.059 OG Oktoberfest have settled at 1.020. 66% apparent attenuation. Both pitches were on target and a little on the high side for the Mr Malty calculator and I oxygenated both worts for about a minute well prior to pitching then just after pitching. Both taste pretty good (but will improve I assume as they cold condition).

I know I could post all the mash details, etc., but wondered if anyone had experience with theses yeast strains/lagers and whether they trickle down those last 3-4 points over 4-6 weeks of lagering?

[Stinkfist]

did you warm it up for Diacetyl rest...that usually helps lagers finish out..

[TimmyR]

Yup. It did 2+ weeks at 50F, about 4 days at 62F then slowly brought it back to 50F for a week and a half. Now sitting at 35F to lager, after I racked from primary fermenters.

[ajdelange]

My experiences with this strain (tried it 3 times) have not been positive. I got ADFs around 70% but it took over a month in each case. It would start out normally and then just come to a scrreeching halt, creepting the rest of the way. And the beer wasn't particularly good. I switched to the Wyeast strain and it's the difference between night and day.

[TimmyR]

Thnx AJ. Interestingly enough, I love the WLP833 flavor and am not crazy about the WLP820. Both have fermented 4-weeks and now sit at 35F lagering. The 833 seems really dry and clean despite the 1.018 (re-checked hydrometer and beers today) FG. The 833 is at 1.019 and is a LOT of esters.

We'll see how lagering goes and what is your preferred Wyeast strain?

[ajdelange]

Wyeast Oktoberfest (2633). I've been extremely pleased with the results and so have my family and guests to the point where I leave it for them so it doesn't run out. It's tough but I've found I can survive on Pils.

[TimmyR]

Thanks AJ...do you think I'll get anymore attenuation during lagering

OR do you think it might be worth trying to warm and throw a small active starter of 833 into the beers? Just curious. I still think it does not taste that sweet, but I do not trust my palate.

[ajdelange]

I always toughed it out and wound up with acceptable, if not great beer. It all got consumed, anyway. Why don't you try it out on some other people?