I took BOS in a comp and local brewery will be entering the beer into the pro-am at GABF. Problem is this brewery is very loyal to White Labs. Any recommendations for a substitution?
WLP565 maybe?
I’ve never seen a WL strain that matched it, but they probably have some in their library that is available to commercial breweries. Wouldn’t hurt to ask them.
Otherwise maybe the white labs saison blend? Or your own blend with like 40% 565, 40% 566, and 20% 001
There is no exact match available from White Labs. WLP565 or WLP566 is as close as you’re going to get. And it’s probably good enough. Or if they’re willing to try a dry yeast, the Danstar Belle Saison yeast is fantastic and might get you even closer to Wyeast 3711.
+1. That might be the way to go. I’m pretty sure Belle is rumored to be the dried equivalent IIRC.
Interesting to note Steve, when I judged your beer I thought it was the belle saison yeast. very similar tart lemony character. still doesn’t deal with the whitelabs only issue.
Thanks for the replies. I know there isn’t a direct equivalent, wanted to see what others thought. I’m leaning towards 566, but I’m not sure I want much of a clove phenolic. I think WLP565 followed with a strong pitch of their house yeast if there is a stall is the best option. I’m hopeful that the brewery won’t mind growing up some 3711.
Congrats BTW ! Yeah, hopefully they wouldn’t mind. Different saison yeast definitely makes a different beer, but I’m sure it’ll be good regardless.
Depending on the sizeof the batch you are making you might be able to grow up the yeast yourself. I’ve done that for a couple of Pro-Am beers
Not sure what size batch. They have a small MoreBeer rig for pilot batches and the next size up is 14bbl. Doubt it is the 14bbl.
So the brewery will be brewing this on their 14bbl system and has no problem using 3711. Now I just need to find a cheap flight.