When it comes to choosing the best yeast for cream ales, there are a few options that you can consider. The choice between ale or lager yeast ultimately depends on your personal preference and the flavor profile you are aiming for in your cream ale.
Ale yeast is known for fermenting at warmer temperatures, typically between 60-70°F (15-21°C). This yeast type ferments more quickly and produces a range of fruity and estery flavors. Some well-attenuating ale yeasts that work great for cream ales include Wyeast Laboratories #1056 (American Ale), #1007 (German Ale), and #1338 (Alt).
Wyeast #1056 (American Ale) is a versatile yeast that is commonly used in American ales, including cream ales. It produces a clean, neutral flavor profile with mild fruity esters, allowing the malt and hop character of the cream ale to shine through.
Wyeast #1007 (German Ale) is another excellent yeast choice for cream ales. It produces a crisp and clean flavor profile with minimal fruity esters. This yeast is known for its ability to attenuate well and create a dry finish in the beer.
Wyeast #1338 (Alt) is a yeast strain traditionally used for brewing German Altbier, but it can also work well for cream ales. It produces a slightly more fruity character with a hint of nuttiness. This yeast also attenuates well, resulting in a well-balanced cream ale.
Lager yeast, on the other hand, ferments at cooler temperatures, typically between 45-55°F (7-13°C). This yeast type ferments more slowly and produces a clean and crisp flavor profile with little to no fruity esters. If you prefer a cleaner and more lager-like cream ale, using a lager yeast can be a good choice.
Some recommended lager yeasts for cream ales include White Labs WLP080 (Cream Ale Blend) and Wyeast #2035 (American Lager). These yeasts have been specifically selected or developed to produce cream ale characteristics while still giving you the benefits of a lager yeast.
In the end, the choice between ale and lager yeast for cream ales is a matter of personal preference. Experimenting with different yeast strains can be a fun and educational experience, allowing you to discover the flavors and characteristics that you enjoy the most in your cream ales.
To summarize the yeast options for cream ales:
Ale Yeasts:
– Wyeast Laboratories #1056 (American Ale): versatile, clean, and neutral flavor profile
– Wyeast Laboratories #1007 (German Ale): crisp and clean with minimal fruity esters
– Wyeast Laboratories #1338 (Alt): slightly fruity with a hint of nuttiness
Lager Yeasts:
– White Labs WLP080 (Cream Ale Blend): specifically selected for cream ale characteristics
– Wyeast Laboratories #2035 (American Lager): clean and crisp flavor profile
Remember to consider the fermentation temperature, as it can greatly affect the flavors produced by the yeast. The recommended attenuation range for cream ales is around 1.008-1.012, so choose a yeast strain that can achieve this range to ensure a well-attenuated and balanced cream ale.