My son loves Belgian Dubbels :o (They’re not my thing but I try to be an indulgent dad) and I love using dry yeast. Dry yeast is incredibly simple. I went through some of the previous posts and it looks like T-58 might be better than S-33 for fermenting a Belgian. I’m figuring with the hot weather, it’s a good time for brewing this type of beer.
T-58 or S-33? Or am I out of luck for a dry yeast?
T-58 would definitely be better than S-33. IMO, there’s nothing vaguely Belgian about the flavor profile of S-33. Yeah, you;re right, dry yeast is easy, but in this case there isn’t a dry yeast I know of that will make a really great dubbel. IMO, this is a case where you really need a liquid yeast, unless ease of use trumps flavor.
You can use the dry Saison, but IMO you won’t have a Dubbel, more a dark saison. Belle Dry Saison is known to ferment down often from 1.006 - near 1.000 FG. Not to mention a different flavor profile. A Dubbel often finishes more like 1.016 - 1.008 FG, leaving a little more malt richness intact. Personally, I would use WY3787, 1214 or similar, and you’ll have a more accurate end result.
I agree, love the Belgian strains. There’s so many strain/temp combinations that I really enjoy brewing them. They tend to blend together really well too.
Have to thrown hat in the ring: you can’t really make a dubbel with a saison strain and expect it to taste like a dubbel. I’m sure it will taste great, but saison strains are way more spicy than regular Trappist style Belgian strains and the flavor just won’t be the same.
Have to agree with Denny, too, if you really want to make a great dubble, stick with liquid yeast. If ease of use trumps great flavor, go with the dry Belgian strains. But your gonna be a little disappointed.
This has been my experience as well. I have also had issues with WLP500 with this phenolic taste when fermented in the low 60s. It does fade with age somewhat though.
This is the way to go. I have done this many times. I think you’ll be surprised by the differences. I always am.
IMO this is the best way to determine your own personal favorite yeasts for a style.
As far as the dry yeasts, the only one I’ve tried is T-58 in a small Sorachi Ace saison. It’s OK, not awesome. I’m not sure how much of that is the yeast and how much the hops as it’s my first time using each.