Liquid Yeast Recommendation / Help

[Hawks]

I think I am going to take the plunge into liquid yeasts.. finally.. :party:

My first attempt will be a 5% ale that I brew fairly often with S04, want to do a standard beer so I can get to know the difference.

When I came to look at the options there seem to be a lot - Wyeast v White Labs and then all the strains within that.

From quick reading I like the sound of WLP007 as I like my beers dry but looking for suggestions from people who use them.

Cheers
Paul

 

[markp]

I've tried 2 liquid yeasts.

One was a WLP550 in a Belgian I did recently........fermentation was quite spectacular, though at the moment I do not like the beer it has made. Maybe I got an infection....it just doesn't taste good at the moment and isn't clearing.....maybe it's just a time thing.....maybe it's the bottled water I used.

I've also done a couple of brews with Wyeast London III.
Again, fermentaion is off and running very quickly and this yeast (to me) produced a nice balanced beer.....maybe not as dry as you might like though.

The WLP are supposed to be pitchable straight from the vial for up to 25 litres of wort.
The Wyeasts need a starter making up.

I've done quite a bit of reading on yeasts lately and the one that seems to be getting most positive reviews is recultured yeast from Worthington White Shield bottles.....this is what I'm planning on doing soon if I can find any. Added bonus of beer to drink too :)

I'm not really experienced enough (I'm trying though) to give you all the pros and cons, flavour profiles etc etc of liquid yeasts.....other than what I have posted above.
Making up starters and splits has been enjoyable; and has also helped me develop my limited understandings of yeasts.

Good luck with what you decide.

 

[dennisking]

Not tried WPL007 but have tried most of the English ale style yeast from both suppliers and have liked them all in their own way. My favorite is probably WLP005 British with WLP002 English a close second. Remember you can split the yeast and make 6 starters with both yeasts.
markp - I`ve recently found out Waitrose are stocking White shield. Bought 4 bottles a few weeks back, first brew using this yeast for about 10 years is fermenting away nicely. True top fermenter took off like a train.

 

[Hawks]

Many thanks to both of you. Have been reading up on splitting and storing yeasts and it's becoming a bit less daunting :shock:

Going to keep reading, get hold of the bits and pieces I need and then try one of these out. My local micro also offered me some of their yeast, so keen to learn so that I can keep supplies of that.

Thanks again :thumb:
Paul