Blending Cali and English?

[scotchpine]

What happens if you do this? Can you get some character from each this way? I have a little WLP002 I culled from the blowoff tube of my last batch, but only have enough starter wort for one step. I have a pack of 1272 comming but no more DME for second starter. Im thinking I won't get enough 002 cells from the one step. I also have a pack of US05 that probably needs to be used. The batch will be around 1.062OG IPA. Wanted to use the 002 on this one and 1272 on the next, but whadda you think about a blend or 002 and US05?

[spiderwrangler]

You'd probably end up getting some of the English esters, and the Cal will likely attenuate it down most of the way, but I haven't used this combo myself to be able to speak from experience.

[scotchpine]

You think if I try this I should sprinkle the US-05 on top of starter on the stir plate just before pitching? I usually pitch my starters whlie they are active.

[brewinhard]

I would make my starter as planned with the 002, pitch that into the wort and then rehydrate the US-O5 and pitch that as well. I think the blend will be interesting and maybe even a bit cleaner than you think in terms of esters.

You could just pitch the single rehydrated pack of US-05 into your 1.062 wort and call it square. The one pack should be pretty sufficient for the job providing you aerate properly and your wort has the proper nutrients in it.

[scotchpine]

Well, I did want to keep some of the 002 flavor profile. I also use Wyeast nutrient in my starters and boils. Im trying to consider that this is the most top fermenting, least floculating cells from the 002 batch too.