Oktoberfest (WLP820/833) FG

[brewinhard]

WLP820 is terrible stuff for many reasons.

1) It finishes at way too high gravity.

2) It is very sluggish and thus makes your batches more prone to infection.

3) The final beer just doesn't taste all that great. Nothing like the "Oktoberfest" that you would expect.

I have said it before and I'll say it again -- they need to take this crap off the market. There are dozens of better yeast strains out there. This is an old strain, still specified in old recipes, and just needs to die.

Sayin' it like it is!

[TimmyR]

Update - tasted both yesterday as I am carbonating for a party next week. They both could use some time, but taste remarkably similar and seem quite clean and tasty. Hoping to taste at full carbonation in a couple days or next week and see how the CO2 in solution changes it. Definitely not cloying nor overly sweet at this point.

[Rhoobarb]

WLP820 is terrible stuff for many reasons. ...

Huh. Interesting. I've used the Wyeast equivalent (2206) many times and love it. In fact, it is my go-to German lager strain. Nice & malty. I have tried the 2633 and still prefer 2206. I wonder why the WL version is so different?

FWIW, when I do a d'rest, I try and get it to room temp (~67oF) for 48 hrs., then cool.

[rfoushee]

I've used 833 multiple times and never had any luck getting my FG down to my expected target numbers. I switched to 830 and found that yeast to be more much compatible with my process. I've yet to have a batch made with 830 that didn't hit my expected FG.

[TimmyR]

I've used 833 multiple times and never had any luck getting my FG down to my expected target numbers. I switched to 830 and found that yeast to be more much compatible with my process. I've yet to have a batch made with 830 that didn't hit my expected FG.

Interesting. I'll have to rebrew and side-by-side 830 and 833.

[animaldoc]

I'm not clear on this issue, Dave .... how do you REALLY feel?

[dmtaylor]

Well, when a certain brewing ingredient which shall remain nameless makes your long-awaited labor of love turn out sub-par, not once but several times, you might feel the same way.

[TimmyR]

Update:

Sent 5-gallons of my 833 version to the Oktoberfest party where it was well received. In a side-by-side comparison with a local brewery Oktoberfest, the only comments were it was lighter in color than theirs. I am not 100% satisfied with it yet, it still lacked the fresh malt aroma I smelled and tasted when I had Gordon Biersch, Miami's Maerzen....I am trading e-mails with the brewer in search of the perfect recipe. I AM happy with my choice to use Liberty hops.

The 820 is in my fridge and sitting tight. It seems to improve every week. So, I think it'll be fine.