[a10t2]

I'll remember that for next time...I have a vienna lager kit that I'm gonna take a stab at, it will be my first attempt at a lager.

Do you have a way to keep the temperature at 55°F or lower? If not, you just can't brew a lager. The yeast that comes with the kit probably isn't very good for a lager either. Sorry to sidetrack, just wanted to let you know.

[Steve]

I'll remember that for next time...I have a vienna lager kit that I'm gonna take a stab at, it will be my first attempt at a lager.

I looked at the Brewers Best Vienna Lager Kit information PDF http://www.brewersbestkits.com/pdf/1005_Vienna_Lager.pdf and the instructions said at the top:

"Munich, Vienna and caramel malts combine to provide a rich malt aroma.
When lagered this beer will finish clean and dry with no fruity esters. Vienna Lager is moderately hopped.
This kit includes a lager yeast that will also perform well if fermented at ale temperatures."

There is more about this on p. 2 of the instruction sheet.  I suspect this yeast is more like a Kölsch or a Steam Ale which will top-ferment at lower temperatures. Often kit makers will call a kit a lager but include an ale yeast because:

•    1) "Lager" refers to storing a beer at cool temperatures and does not necessarily imply using bottom-fermenting lager yeast
•    2) The percentages of the grain bill fits the Vienna Lager style
•    3) The kit still want you to "lager" the beer in secondary enhancing the flavor
•    4) Ale yeast is easier to ferment because of it's higher and more forgiving temperature range, making it easier for you to brew at home

 
I think you'd make out okay with this kit as your first lager.  The package instructions are pretty good as to the lagering process.

Try an experiment... Make this kit once and then try it again later, but next time substitute one of the of Saflager http://www.fermentis.com/fo/60-Beer/60-31_product_rangeIB.asp dry yeasts instead of the kit's yeast and compare the two profiles.  Repeat the process as exactly as you can except for the different yeast.  Does the second have a different flavor?   Don't forget to save a few bottles of the first batch to compare with the second!  Try again with a liquid Wyeast or White Lab lager yeast for a third comparison.

But remember to stir!

[whitey]

That sounds like a great idea steve. Now, when you say 'remember to stir', what are you refering to?

[denny]

Try an experiment... Make this kit once and then try it again later, but next time substitute one of the of Saflager http://www.fermentis.com/fo/60-Beer/60-31_product_rangeIB.asp dry yeasts instead of the kit's yeast and compare the two profiles. 

Based on my experience, I'd recommend steering clear of Saflager S-23.

[Steve]

That sounds like a great idea steve. Now, when you say 'remember to stir', what are you refering to?

  Your original question answered... Mixing?