i know it may seem like a re-tread, but its years and years on now. any of you well experienced guys have any other favourite yeasts?
i know some of the ones regulars here say they use frequently already.
My brewing schedule is often erratic, so I tend to favor dry yeast so I can stock up and keep a supply on hand for whenever I need it. That being said, i do have a few fave liquid yeast strains:
I've been playing around with WY1762 as a house yeast strain over the past year or so, and for the most part it works great for malty styles. Even though it is technically a Belgian strain (supposedly Rochefort), my experience is that it is a fairly clean ale strain. It works great in English styles, and will even work in lagers with a big pitch and fermented cold. The only time I've gotten any esters out of it was when I was using old slurry that I hadn't stepped up in an adequate starter. Otherwise, it's clean as a whistle and make a great blank slate.
When I want a more flavorful English yeast I prefer WY1469, WY1968/WLP002 or WLP013. Windsor works in a pinch as a dry yeast, but the liquid ones have more flavor expression in my opinion.
i don't brew hefe's too often, but I prefer WY3638 over 3068. There's a bit less banana and there's a hint of vanilla and cinnamon in the phenolics that I enjoy.
I don't brew Belgians often, either, but whenever WY3864 gets released I typically brew 2-3 batches with it. It has a great plummy thing going on that works really well in dark Belgian styles. It also plays nice with American hops in an Amber ale type recipe.
I'm also a big fan of WY3711/Belle Saison. Beers I brew with it remind me of dry white wine. One of the best brews I've ever made was a saison using 3711, Gewurztraminer wine must, and Nelson Sauvin hops. I scored a Gewurz wine kit from my LHBS's going-out-of-business sale, so I will finally be brewing another batch this spring.