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Mixing Lager Yeasts - Pros and Cons

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mmitchem:
I have read alot about people mixing lager and ale yeasts together to get the best of both worlds. I have also read that in most cases a dominant yeast will usually lend the most character to the beer.
With that being said, I am conducting an experiment mixing two lager yeasts together. I threw 2 vials into my flask to make a starter - 1 vial WLP833 (German Bock) and 1 vial WLP838 (Southern German Lager). They both look pretty close when complared on White Labs yeast charts. I know that the WLP838 tends to drop out of the beer pretty fast making it pretty clean. The WLP833 tends to be slightly more 'dusty' and doesnt drop out as fast. Other than that - I would say they are pretty close in most respects with the obvious flavor differences.
I really like these two yeasts - alot! Hence the experiment at hand. I pitched the big starter onto an Oktoberfest I like to brew.
Has anyone done this before? What was the outcome? Thanks in advance :)

mmitchem:
Nobody touching this with a 10 foot pole huh? :)

denny:
well, since you asked....my first thought is "why?"  What do you expect to get out if this? My own experience with pitching 2 yeasts at once is that one dominates and you can't tell the other is there.  I've had the best success by pitching each into its own batch and then blending post fermentation.

mmitchem:
I think my initial thought was "Why Not?" Just to experiment since the yeasts have many similarities. I am not sure what to expect...and I think that is part of the fun. I have also had great success with both of these yeasts individually, then blended. It might be a huge failure, but there is a chance of success. Besides, if it is gross, it only cost me 5 gallons and a little time.
Could be fun, right?

denny:
I really doubt it will be "gross" or a "huge failure".  I just don't think there's anything to be gained.  Other than saying you did it!  ;)

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