Weissbier yeast harvesting

[keith1664]

I have my first Weissbier planned soonish and have a vial of WLP380 to use in it, the question is as wheat beer yeasts aren't meant to be floculant will I be able to recover much from the bottom of the fermenter for future use?

 

[phettebs]

You absolutely will. Given time, my wheat beers have all dropped clear eventually. You'll have plenty to harvest.

 

[keith1664]

Thanks, am I right in thinking I need to ferment it coolish to avoid too much in the way of banana?

 

[phettebs]

You are correct. Higher temps = more isoamyl acetate (banana) and lower temps = more 4-vinyl guaiacol (clove). I try to get a balance somewhere in the middle so I get some of both.

Reminds me I need to brew a German wheat for the summer months!