Helles Ale Yeast?

[Omahawk]

I do not yet have a controller for my fridge, so I don't do real lagers. However, I want to brew an ale that approximates the character of a Munich Helles. I am looking for recommendations / experiences with Ale Yeasts fermented cool on a Helles grain bill, hoping that the clean Pils maltiness comes through. I've used the Wyeast Kolsch yeast on a Wheat with temps in the low 60s and liked the results, but ideally would like more flocculation. In addition to the Kolsch, I am considering Cal Common Yeast, Cream Ale Blend (WLP080), Alt / German Ale yeast, or whatever gets recommended.

[Bugeater]

I've had good luck with WLP007 German Ale Yeast. It too has minor flocculation problems, but the yeast will drop out if you are patient or use some gelatin.

Wayne

[SnowGoon99]

If you can find it, i think the WLP011 European Ale yeast does what you're describing. You won't get the sulfur that's typical of lagers but it'll be nice and clean beer. Plus you could always try the Cal Ale at 65 or so to limit ester production.

[ChrisKennedy]

If you make a helles with a kolsch yeast, you just made a kolsch.

[grod]

I'll put my gonads on the line and add a comment too.

I live just south of Hades in the summer, temp wise, and use WY1056 for my lager recipes. I find it doesnt influence things too much when brewed at 16C. It also doesn't work my ferment fridge too hard in the shed that gets to temps over 50C at the hottest.

You could always brew a saison, just sayin'

love

g

[Travisty]

You may not have to worry about this too much longer Jason. I think I've convinced Sam that temp control is what he should spend his brewing money on.

[DannyW]

I'll throw in my vote for Cal Common yeast. Flocs hard, forgiving of temperature, and well suited to malt balanced beers.

[San_Diego_Matt]

I've had good luck with WLP007 German Ale Yeast. It too has minor flocculation problems, but the yeast will drop out if you are patient or use some gelatin.

Wayne

007 is the Dry English Ale Yeast. From the White Labs site, WLP029 is the German Ale/Kölsch Yeast