Scottish ale yeast- White Labs vs. Wyeast

[Spidey]

Wyeast 1728 Scottish ale and White Labs 028 Edinburgh ale are supposedly the same strain. Yet the stats for these strains (as provided by the manufacturers) are a bit different, most notably regarding the temperature range:
Wyeast 1728
Flocculation: high
Attenuation: 69-73%
Temperature Range: 55-75° F (13-24° C)
Alcohol Tolerance: approximately 12% ABV

White Labs 028
Attenuation: 70-75%
Flocculation: Medium
Optimum Fermentation Temperature: 65-70°F
Does not ferment well less than 62°F
Alcohol Tolerance: Medium-High (8-12%ABV)

I haven't used 028 before. I've used Wyeast 1728 because of the large temperature range, good alcohol tolerance, and clean malty profile. Does anyone know if 028 behaves the same? Does it ferment well at lower temps if you pitch big? I wanted to use this yeast to make a scottish ale, then use the yeast cake for a baltic porter. But if 028 won't ferment at cooler temps, then I'll have to hold out until I can mail order some 1728.

[Evan B]

I've used both pretty extensively, and really don't find any difference at all. And to spark more controversy, I'll add that I really don't find much difference between the scottish strains, and WLP001/Wyeast 1056. I get the same results from all of them.

[Spidey]

I'll add that I really don't find much difference between the scottish strains, and WLP001/Wyeast 1056. I get the same results from all of them.

Interesting. I do typically get less attenuation with 1728 than 001/1056, so I would say they are different in that respect. On the other hand, all are pretty clean and any differences in the flavor profile are likely to be fairly subtle. Thanks for your take on these strains. Have you tried fermenting WLP028 at cooler temps, and did you have any success?

[Mylo]

I had the opportunity to make my Scottish 80/- again recently - but couldn't get the WL Edinburgh. Same temp, same recipe - the Wyeast one did not have any light, yeast derived smokey phenols. I preferred the WL. I think they aren't the same strain.


Mylo