does anyone have an Oktoberfest style beer that would use ale yeast? I live in Houston Texas and its costly to brew lagers, but I want a close taste to the Oktoberfest beer. thanks
Search out Bee Cave Brewery Oktoberfest Ale on www.homebrewtalk.com . I’ve had mine on keg for about 6 weeks so it should be available soon.
It’s also listed on the Recipe database on www.brewmasterswarehouse.com
Just brew a regular Oktoberfest/Marzen and use a clean yet low attenuating ale yeast. Or try the California Common lager yeast, or even Saf-lager dry yeast. They can ferment acceptably at ale temps. You just want something that will be clean and accentuate the malt flavors.
Still try and go as low as you can though. At least the mid 60’s. Use a swamp cooler type setup. Or submerge the carboy in a tub of water and add ice blocks regularly.
I think you can get close enough if you keep it clean and malty.
+1 to what enso said; I often will use the Cal Common yeast when lager temps are warmer. The other tips are spot on as well.
At first I thought it was a trick question. How do you make Oktoberfest as an ale in Texas? Make it as a lager, but be sure it’s over 5%. We don’t need that hippie science; we got our law. Now respect my authoratie.
I’ve come to prefer WY1007 over a CA common yeast for pseudo lagers. But you still have to ferment it on the cool side and cold condition the beer when it’s done, regardless of which you use.
Yep, I prefer the 1007 for that also
Now that is hilarious - post of the day!