If you leave it on the cake, you should be fine after an extended D-rest and lagering period. The main thing with lagers is patience, especially if you have a flaw. Everything takes longer with brewing lagers...
Dave
when you say leave it on the cake - are you suggesting i leave it in my primary for 4-6 weeks before racking to keg for additional lagering time?
Yes, especially since you hate diacetyl. I typically go 2-4 weeks on the cake, but 4-6 will not hurt you and should clean up everything real nice.
4 weeks it is! thanks for the guidance - much appreciated.
i figure i can do a d-test after 4 weeks on the cake, if i detect any diacetyl i will use krasuening as i rack it to the keg.
so with all the great advice, here's what i will do:
-let the d-rest continue until end of this weekend
- bring temp down to 45F, 2-3 degrees per 12 hours to keep more yeast in action
-leave on cake for 4 weeks, gradually lowering to 34F
-test for diacetyl.if non present, transfer to corny and drop gradually down to 32-33F and lager for 2-3 weeks. if diacetyl present, procced with krausening and then when completed gradually lower to 32-33F and lager for 2-3 weeks