I have a couple of questions about Dry Lager Yeast

[dzlater]

Today I brewed an OctoberFest, with an OG of 1.059. I chilled to about 70 and transfered to the fermenter and put in the fridge with a controller set at 55. I have 2 packs of S-23 Saflager.
      I was going to wait till it got to 55 and then pitch hopefully later this evening.
I usually just sprinkle dry ale yeast but I’m wondering if I should rehydrate the yeast since it’s a lager.
I also am not sure if I need to aerate the wort, since from what I’ve read it’s not needed with dry yeast.
The only aeration was splashing while draining to the fermenter.  I don’t have any way to aerate other then shaking.
      I’ve read different opinions of the S-23 yeast and didn’t really want to use but it was the only dry lager yeast at the shop. If anyone has any first hand tips for this yeast I’d appreciate it. ( And I already know that Denny hates it)

Thanks
Dan

[dmtaylor (Dave Taylor)]

Assuming 5-6 gallons, with two packs, you don’t need to rehydrate.  If you want to save and just use one pack, then yes I’d rehydrate.

No aeration required with dry yeast.

It just doesn’t get any easier than sprinkling dry yeast and walkin’ away.

I’ve never used the S-23 yet.  Someday I’ll probably try it.  I know Denny dislikes it but that wouldn’t necessarily stop me!  ;)  Maybe we like it.

[dzlater]

Thanks for tips, I pitched both packs didn’t rehydrate.
I’ll try and remember to post the results .

[denny]

@dmtaylor

Assuming 5-6 gallons, with two packs, you don’t need to rehydrate.  If you want to save and just use one pack, then yes I’d rehydrate.

No aeration required with dry yeast.

It just doesn’t get any easier than sprinkling dry yeast and walkin’ away.

I’ve never used the S-23 yet.  Someday I’ll probably try it.  I know Denny dislikes it but that wouldn’t necessarily stop me!  ;)  Maybe we like it.

I know people who have made great beers with it.  I know people who have had experiences as bad as mine with it.

[fchenette (Frankenbrew)]

I’ve use S-23 many times for California Commons.I ferment around 60 F, and I love it. For lagers I prefer S-189.

[dzlater]

I’ve use S-23 many times for California Commons.I ferment around 60 F, and I love it. For lagers I prefer S-189.

I have it set at 55, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

[chumley]

I have used S-23 twice and dislike it very much.  I used it at lager fermentation temperature (50°F), so maybe fermenting warmer is the trick.  But with so many good lager yeasts out there, I will never find out.

[ynotbrusum]

I won a club competition with S-23 in a Tropical Stout.  Really brought out the fruitiness sought after in the style. ;D

[dmtaylor (Dave Taylor)]

@chumley

I have used S-23 twice and dislike it very much.  I used it at lager fermentation temperature (50°F), so maybe fermenting warmer is the trick.  But with so many good lager yeasts out there, I will never find out.

It couldn’t have been much worse than WLP820… could it?  WLP820 is a great yeast… if you like really long lag times, and to always finish at like 1.022, or maybe 1.020 if you’re real lucky.  :o  For that reason I’ve been saying for probably the past 10 years already, any other lager yeast on the planet is better.  Perhaps S-23 is in a similar bucket.  But I’ve been so happy with Wyeast 2308 that I just haven’t brought myself to try much else yet.

[fchenette (Frankenbrew)]

@dmtaylor

@chumley

I have used S-23 twice and dislike it very much.  I used it at lager fermentation temperature (50°F), so maybe fermenting warmer is the trick.  But with so many good lager yeasts out there, I will never find out.

It couldn’t have been much worse than WLP820… could it?  WLP820 is a great yeast… if you like really long lag times, and to always finish at like 1.022, or maybe 1.020 if you’re real lucky.  :o  For that reason I’ve been saying for probably the past 10 years already, any other lager yeast on the planet is better.  Perhaps S-23 is in a similar bucket.  But I’ve been so happy with Wyeast 2308 that I just haven’t brought myself to try much else yet.

I don’t have any attenuation issues with S-23. Last batch (on tap now) attenuated at 76% down to 1.012.

[chumley]

The issue I have with S-23 is not attenuation, it is fruity esters production that are totally inappropriate in a lager. I once brewed a pilsner with it that tasted like passion fruit.  And not just a hint, totally overwhelming.

[dmtaylor (Dave Taylor)]

Sorry, I didn’t mean to say anything about the attenuation of S-23.

[denny]

@chumley

I have used S-23 twice and dislike it very much.  I used it at lager fermentation temperature (50°F), so maybe fermenting warmer is the trick.  But with so many good lager yeasts out there, I will never find out.

Remember the BVIp you sent me that was made with S-23?  It was pretty good, but the deficiencies of the yeast worked pretty well for it.

[chumley]

@denny

@chumley

I have used S-23 twice and dislike it very much.  I used it at lager fermentation temperature (50°F), so maybe fermenting warmer is the trick.  But with so many good lager yeasts out there, I will never find out.

Remember the BVIp you sent me that was made with S-23?  It was pretty good, but the deficiencies of the yeast worked pretty well for it.

Yep.  Nothing like a little bourbon and vanilla to mask the S-23 taste.

And, I am sure it would be the go-to yeast for making a tropical stout. 

[denny]

@chumley

Yep.  Nothing like a little bourbon and vanilla to mask the S-23 taste.

And, I am sure it would be the go-to yeast for making a tropical stout. 

Yes to both!

[jeffy]

Hm.  I split 10 gallons of Schwartbier with 34/70 and S23.  I kegged and am currently drinking the half with 34/70 and this thread makes me wonder about the other half, now in cold storage.

[goschman (Iliff Ave)]

My go to is 34/70 but I have tried 189 once and really liked it. I have never used s23 but my buddy uses it normally and I have never noted any of weirdness others report.

[alestateyall (tommymorris)]

@goschman

My go to is 34/70 but I have tried 189 once and really liked it. I have never used s23 but my buddy uses it normally and I have never noted any of weirdness others report.

I haven’t tried S23 either. Annie Johnson talked up the virtues of S23 on a episode of the Sunday Session after winning Ninkasi a few years ago. She didn’t say she used it in the NCS beers. She said she used it a lot and it made good lagers for house beers or something to that effect.

I have always meant to try it. But, alas, there are so many yeasts and so little time.

I like S189 and 34/70. I have made good beers with both.

I just tried Mangrove Jacks M76 Bavarian Lager. Just tapped the keg today (after just 24 hours). So far, so good. I am looking forward to this beer after a couple of weeks of lagering.

[dzlater]

To follow up on this. I think the beer turned out pretty well.
It might be a little bit fruity tasting , but maybe I’m just looking for it.
Club meeting tonight maybe I’ll bring a bottle and see what others think.

[ynotbrusum]

Good idea - your cross section of tasters may prove to you that it is worth using again, but ultimately, every person tastes things somewhat differently and you may get a mixed result with some folks loving it and others hating it.  For example, some people love 34/70, while I have encountered a few folks who claim it has too much lemon flavor.