Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Flocculation of White Labs versus Wyeast  (Read 2908 times)

Offline rjharper

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 646
    • Angry Scotsman Brewing
Flocculation of White Labs versus Wyeast
« on: April 26, 2010, 12:28:35 pm »
I've been a longtime user of White Labs.  On a recent shopping trip to my LBS they were out of my preferred strains, and convinced me to try the Wyeast.  So I've made two batches with 1007 German and 1728 Scottish.  In my albeit limited sample set, it seems that Wyeast does not clear out as well as the equivalent WLP 029 and 028 respectively.  I still get a nice trub in the primary, but I'm used to seeing a clear beer and yeast cake in the secondary with White Labs.  The Wyeast batches had a dusting on the secondary but were still rather cloudy.  Recipes, temperatures, time frames, equipment, sanitation etc... are all the same as far as I can recall.

Thoughts / experience anyone?

Offline a10t2

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 4696
  • Ask me why I don't like Chico!
    • SeanTerrill.com
Re: Flocculation of White Labs versus Wyeast
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2010, 03:34:34 pm »
I can't really help you since I've only used a couple WL strains, but at least according to Kris England's chart, 029 and 1007 aren't the same strain.
Sent from my Microsoft Bob

Beer is like porn. You can buy it, but it's more fun to make your own.
Refractometer Calculator | Batch Sparging Calculator | Two Mile Brewing Co.

Offline denny

  • Administrator
  • Retired with too much time on my hands
  • *****
  • Posts: 27070
  • Noti OR [1991.4, 287.6deg] AR
    • Dennybrew
Re: Flocculation of White Labs versus Wyeast
« Reply #2 on: April 26, 2010, 03:48:35 pm »
According to my taste buds, I agree with Kris.
Life begins at 60.....1.060, that is!

www.dennybrew.com

The best, sharpest, funniest, weirdest and most knowledgable minds in home brewing contribute on the AHA forum. - Alewyfe

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell

Offline rjharper

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 646
    • Angry Scotsman Brewing
Re: Flocculation of White Labs versus Wyeast
« Reply #3 on: April 26, 2010, 03:59:48 pm »
I'd not seen that chart before - that really useful.  Thanks!  But what about the McEwan's Scottish strain?  As a Scotland ex-pat, I use it a lot. ;)  I'm wondering where the difference between WL and WY floc might come from (admittedly on one data point, and as a scientist I should know better)

Offline denny

  • Administrator
  • Retired with too much time on my hands
  • *****
  • Posts: 27070
  • Noti OR [1991.4, 287.6deg] AR
    • Dennybrew
Re: Flocculation of White Labs versus Wyeast
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2010, 10:09:52 am »
FWIW, I've never noticed consistent enough variations to say that one brand flocs better than the other.
Life begins at 60.....1.060, that is!

www.dennybrew.com

The best, sharpest, funniest, weirdest and most knowledgable minds in home brewing contribute on the AHA forum. - Alewyfe

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell

Offline enso

  • Brewer
  • ****
  • Posts: 449
  • Northeast Kingdom, VT
    • Bristle Bros. Brewing Blog
Re: Flocculation of White Labs versus Wyeast
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2010, 12:48:29 pm »
I'd not seen that chart before - that really useful.  Thanks!  But what about the McEwan's Scottish strain?  As a Scotland ex-pat, I use it a lot. ;)  I'm wondering where the difference between WL and WY floc might come from (admittedly on one data point, and as a scientist I should know better)

I would say it has nothing to do with the manufacturer and every thing to do with the yeast.  It has been suggested that both WY and WL Scottish ales have the same origin.  That does not mean they are the same yeasts now.  Yeasts mutate over time.  It is reported that Duvel uses yeast originally obtained from McEwan.  It certainly is not anything like it was now!

I have not used White labs Edinburgh yeast but I love the Wyeast 1728.  The reason I have not tried White Labs version is that they report that it does not ferment below 62F.  I like to ferment mine Scottish ales at around 55-57F which the Wyeast does very well.  Super clean and malty.  With my long cool ferment I get crystal clear beer in the end using the Wyeast 1728.  They may be the same origins but they are no longer the same yeasts. 

Dave Brush