Diacetyl rest for ale yeast?

Fri May 12, 2006 12:21 pm

I bought some Ringwood Ale yeast (Wyeast 1187) and now I'm questioning my better judgement. After doing some reading online, I've discovered that this strain creates a lot of diacetyl. Wyeast recommends a "thorough diacetyl rest" with this yeast, but my question is this: How does one do a diacetyl rest with an ale yeast? I've heard of doing a diacetyl rest with lager yeast, but I'm not sure how I would apply this to ale yeast. I was planning on fermenting it at room temp (~75F or whatever it is next week in VA), and I don't really have the capability of changing the temperature too much (i.e. I don't have a lagering room in my house). Recommendations?
-Greg
Spidey
 
Posts: 103
Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 7:26 pm
Location: Charlottesville, VA

Fri May 12, 2006 12:40 pm

Just let it sit on the yeast at ferm temp until any diacetyl is gone. Instead of being in a hurry to rack to a secondary after 3-7 days, let it sit in primary for 10-20 days.

then you can either bottle or rack to a keg and chill.
User avatar
DannyW
 
Posts: 1950
Joined: Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:37 pm
Location: Nokomis, Florida, USA

Fri May 12, 2006 8:27 pm

I believe all yeasts produce more diacetyl the warmer they ferment. So, if you can hang wet towels or something on it, that will help.

If you let the temp rise a couple degrees after fermentation for several days (as DannyW says), that will help reduce the diacetyl.
I hope my post helped in some way. If not, please feel free to contact me.

Jamil Zainasheff
http://www.mrmalty.com

"The yeast is strong within you." K. Zainasheff
User avatar
jamilz
 
Posts: 916
Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:17 am
Location: Elk Grove, CA

Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:42 pm

Update:
I used Wyeast 1187 for my attempt at an Australian style Golden Ale back at the end of May. I pitched a half gallon starter into my 5 gallon batch so there was plenty of yeasts to clean up any excessive diacetyl. I just left it in primary for 3 weeks as you all suggested. Fermentation was at about 75F, just sitting in a closet in my house. The end result is no detectable diacetyl (at least not to my palate) but a nice smooth flavor. Thanks for the advice guys.
Spidey
 
Posts: 103
Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 7:26 pm
Location: Charlottesville, VA

Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:27 pm

Awesome, Spidey.

But to be sure I'm going to need you to send me (2) bottles for evaluation. ;)
Asshat of the Year ('06)
Proud Drunk of the Year Nominee ('08)
Beevo, "I burned my tongue."
Doc, "Slow down."
Gadgets
CoVBS
User avatar
Push Eject
Butcher
 
Posts: 2056
Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2006 12:52 pm
Location: Lancaster, CA

Sat Jul 01, 2006 6:41 am

Push Eject wrote:Awesome, Spidey.

But to be sure I'm going to need you to send me (2) bottles for evaluation. ;)


Ya know, PE, from all the times you have said that, we are beginning to believe you don't brew at all. You could subsist by drinking everyones else's brews :lol: :drink By the way, I would never turn down the chance to "evaluate" someone else's beer either.

Cheers!

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company
Bugeater Brewing Company
http://www.lincolnlagers.com
User avatar
Bugeater
 
Posts: 5789
Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:19 pm
Location: River City

Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:05 pm

I wouldn't mind sending a couple bottles out to you for evaluation, but to be honest I haven't bottled my beer before. I keg it and force carbonate. Guess I need to make a counterpressure filler so I can start participating in these beer swaps!
Spidey
 
Posts: 103
Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 7:26 pm
Location: Charlottesville, VA

Return to Brewing Ingredients

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users

A BIT ABOUT US

The Brewing Network is a multimedia resource for brewers and beer lovers. Since 2005, we have been the leader in craft beer entertainment and information with live beer radio, podcasts, video, events and more.