Has anyone used both of these strains in similar worts? What were your impressions of any differences in attenuation? I recently used M84 in a couple of beers and was disappointed with its level of attenuation with both beers finishing at 1.015.
Both beers were mashed at 150F for 60 minutes. Apparent attenuation was 70% and 73%. I would prefer my lagers finish closer to 1.010.
I have used both. I got 78% attenuation with M76 twice in a Helles. The beers were good. The one with more notes had just this: “Very nice beer. Clean, malty, smooth. Could go for a bit more crispness.”
I have used M84 once in a Amber lager. Attenuation was 70%. I chocked it up to lots of caramel malt (10%). The beer was awesome though. It was a very malty beer.
They seemed to remain a bit powdery well after the final days of fermentation, not clearing as quickly as I would hope, but taste-wise, I preferred the Bavarian (M84) to the Czech (M76). YMMV and a different fermentation profile may change things here, too.
M84 is actually the Bohemian which is what I have used. I agree in that this has not cleared very well for me up to this point.
Thanks for your input. Both of the beers I did with M84 are malty amber styles so it works but I would personally want a light lager with more attenuation. Sounds like M76 would do the trick.
Got the numbers crossed, but I liked the Bavarian over the Czech, for what it’s worth.
Did you notice any tartness or low pH with the 1st generation pitch of the MJ Lager strains?
Did you re-pitch or use another 1st gen pitch in your second beer? If 2nd gen, did you notice any tartness or low pH in the finished second beer?
I don’t have a pH meter but the 1st generation did have a noticeable tartness to me. The 2nd generation is in a beer that is just carbing up. It’s hard to perceive any tartness possibly because of some adjuncts that I used but I’ll see in the coming days.
FWIW, I got 70% and 73% apparent attenuation on similar grists (Vienna, Marzen) that were mashed at 150F for 60 min. Not a big fan after trying this strain for the first time. Going to do a run with M76 next and probably go back to S-189 if it’s not to my liking.