WLP802 - Czech Budijovice Lager Yeast

[Dunfie]

Has anyone got any personal experience of brewing with WLP802 and fermenting warmer than the recommended optimal temperature range?

I had planned to use this yeast at this time of year because I expected the temps to be hovering around 10C during the day and then being frosty overnight. I can control the temperature up the way but have no way of cooling the fermentation at present so I was hoping the ambient temperatures would be in my favour. I brewed on Saturday and pitched the yeast but on day one the beer never got below 15C and then on day two and three it actually rose to 17.5C (bloody southerly winds brought up all that warm air). It did drop down after that and is around 12.5C at present (recommended to be between 10C-13C). I have taken a couple of gravity tests and the primary fermentation is almost complete and it actually tastes rather nice.

As I don't make a lot of pilsners I was wondering if there are any "gotchas" that I need to look out for before I bottle? Do I need to bother with a diacetyl rest (I suppose a diacetyl force test would tell me)? The yeast strain appears to be fairly forgiving but will I end up with an ale/kolsch type beer rather than a proper pilsner?

I am not overly concerned as I think the beer is going to be fine - I'm just interested in other experiences. :hmm:

 

[Eric_S]

I have some WLP802 as well, although still in the fridge for my next brew.

What recipe did you use for your brew?

 

[Dunfie]

Here is the recipe:

 

[Eric_S]

Thanks for that - typically Caramalt is what I don't have! But better I use up some of what I do have otherwise might get a long face from the missus!