Wilco Pilsner Advice

[Meatymc]

I've been brewing again for a while now and have had more good results than just OK and no real duds (tempting fate here). As things stand I'm brewing it, I'm drinking it and I'm happy. However, pressure just been put on by future son-in-law whose been given a Wilco Pilsner for his birthday and, having no kit whatsoever, has asked me if I'd brew it up for him.

I've only done 2 so-called lager styles - I'm more into ale and stout. The 1st had no 'lagering' requirements at all - looked to be a standard ale yeast and brewed through at 'ale' temperatures. Turned out OK although wouldn't call it a lager. The 2nd I was able, in late winter, to brew out at 'lagering' temps and with a replacement lager yeast. Drinking that now after 3 months and getting better and better.

As I still haven't been able to snaffle the (soon to be) spare fridge and with temperatures as they are now we're defo into Summer, any suggestions on getting this as close to a pilsner as possible - yeast, hops, enhancers etc?

[BrewBoyJoe]

WLP830 German Lager Yeast http://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/index.ph ... ductId=182

http://www.whitelabs.com/yeast/wlp830-g ... ager-yeast

Lager Work Around”
By: Johnny B. Brewin | Date: Jul., 23rd 2014 | Beer(s) Brewed: Light Hybrid (Kolsch)
I used this strain to make a lager at ale temperatures. Made a 1.5L starter for a 5 gal batch O.G. 1.055. 10 days in the primary at 65 F and the beer is bright with no major sulfur or butterscotch notes. My new house lager strain.
Not tried it myself so couldn’t confirm!

The alternative… brew deep under rock in a cave as the Germans did in the 1800’s trying for the required 11 degrees C

I assume it’s an extract kit? It’ll already be hopped and in general I think Pilsner is not dry hopped although someone might correct me!

[BrewBoyJoe]

https://www.wyeastlab.com/rw_yeaststrai ... .cfm?ID=30

YEAST STRAIN: 2124 | Bohemian Lager™

The above is recommended for Pilsner and works well right up to 20 deg so as per the seller wyeast (pretty reputable), so i'd go for that one!

[Monkeybrew]

What temperature is your coolest room in the house at this time of year?

If it's too warm, it might not be worth brewing yet, especially as you are brewing it for someone else.

Cheers

MB

[Meatymc]

Cheers BrewBoy - have been doing some similar research on strains.

MB - funny you ask about room temperatures as I started doing that last night. We only moved into this new place middle of last week (in 32 degrees heat!) and half of it is due to be gutted so out of bounds. Lowest seen as yet is 18 degrees but I'm going to 'board-up' the garage windows and see what effect that has.

I suspect, as you mention, this may have to wait until later in the year when things start to cool down or until the fridge becomes available.

Thanks

[timmydog]

Home brewing is a great hobby for working out how (im)patient you are, isn't it?

I bet most of us have had a thought process along the lines of 'It's been in the bottle for a few days and it's started to clear... Hmm, I said I'd wait a week, but maybe it's time for a sample'.

[jimpy0]

if you have the space go the brewfridge route, you can then do what you like when you like. Last lager i did i ran it at 12 degrees for 5 weeks on a wilko kit with propper lager yeast - turned out awesome.

[Meatymc]

Checked everywhere and there's no chance of brewing this until Autumn or until the fridge comes free so dropping the Pilsner and getting another Coopers Real ale on. Only got Challenger and Goldings in stock so going for Challenger as a tea and a late dry hop.