[davidgzach]

So I ordered some WLP860 Munich Helles that never ended up being delivered.  I actually forgot about it and just remembered the other day and contacted White Labs.  A super nice lady named Heidi checked and verified that they had a label problem and it was never sent.  It was in March 2018!  Nevertheless she offered to make it up to me by sending the current Platinum strain WLP885.  Shout out to White Labs and their customer service....

Now to my question.  What the heck should I make with this?  I'm not so sure I want a 14% Samichlaus.  Thoughts from the forum?

Thanks in advance!

DZ

[Steve Ruch]

Never used WLP885, but I've used the dry version in marzen with good results.

[ynotbrusum]

It is a clean lager strain that is suitable for any lager - try a Helles, if you want to see what the yeast is like (assuming you enjoy that style).

[hopfenundmalz]

I would give it a try. Brew the Helles. If you like it,  use the harvested yeast for a big Doppelbock.

[davidgzach]

I would give it a try. Brew the Helles. If you like it,  use the harvested yeast for a big Doppelbock.

I like it.....

[davidgzach]

So I made the Helles and pitched a ton of yeast.  Two weeks later the beer was only down to 1.024.  I was fermenting at 52F but surprised it was not done.  I decided to ramp up the temp to 68 to burn it out to make the Dopplebock this weekend right on the yeast cake.  I did this yesterday hoping to burn it out by Sunday. 

Did I just ruin the Helles?  Wondering if that much of a diacetyl rest will do more harm than good.  Too late now, just wondering before I test it again.

Dave

[denny]

So I made the Helles and pitched a ton of yeast.  Two weeks later the beer was only down to 1.024.  I was fermenting at 52F but surprised it was not done.  I decided to ramp up the temp to 68 to burn it out to make the Dopplebock this weekend right on the yeast cake.  I did this yesterday hoping to burn it out by Sunday. 

Did I just ruin the Helles?  Wondering if that much of a diacetyl rest will do more harm than good.  Too late now, just wondering before I test it again.

Dave

Nope, that's perfect.

[davidgzach]

Hey Denny, long time!  Thanks for the reply.

[denny]

Hey Denny, long time!  Thanks for the reply.

Good to "see" ya!