Is Marris Otter OK for Lager?

[TheLastSuppa]

I know it's not by the book, but will I get away with using Marris Otter for Lager or Pils? How much difference will it make from lager malt?

For the rest :
250g Carahell and I've not decided on the hops yet I'm either going to use straight Saaz on bittering and flavour or Northdown for bittering and Hallertau mittelfruh on flavour and aroma.

[Cheshire-cheese]

It may not be authentic, but it'll still work, esp if you use a lager yeast and ferment at low temperatures.

[BarnsleyBrewer]

I've made some cracking light ales/lager with M.O, as previous post stated, use a good lager yeast.

BB

[TheLastSuppa]

I'm using Saflager S23. Do you think I need to pitch 2x11g sachets or will 1 be enough?

[Garth]

depends on the batch size and the temperature you are fermenting at. the colder you go the more yeast you need.

MO, especially the low colour stuff will make great lager, especially with a 50:50 mix with lager malt, although MO on it's own will be fine.

[TheLastSuppa]

Is it just colour or will the taste be noticably different with MO rather than lager malt?

It will be a standard 23L brew.

[raiderman]

MO has good flavour, but munich and vienna have flavour too and are darker - so what you brew will be darker than a pilsner but less golden than a lager made with munich malt - so no problem there. In terms of flavour because MO has a highter flavour profile than basic lager malt - accentuate it. Some lafgers are quite bitter - go for 40ebu and include a portion of hops with 30m to go to add some flavour back in. That will combine well with the flavour of the MO. If you use a proper bottom fermenerter yeast and traditional lager hops you'll make a good lager. Despite opionions to the contrary temperature isn't a major issue and doesn't disqualify you from producing lager. If you can cool - and I never go beyong sticking the bucket in a sink of water it keeps the yeast closer to its opperational temp, but no botter if you can't at this time of year, you'll still produce a good lager. The Checks used to brew in wooden fermenters until someone on here told them they couldn't make decent lager without expensive German stainless steel fermenters and it don't taste as good anymore! Lager whether in t'shed, under the stairs or in that Acme(tm) deluxe laggering fridge you just couldn't resist does improve the flavour and if you want to make lager you should allow for it.

[TheLastSuppa]

Thanks guys! I'm gonna get a lager brew on tomorrow!