I am wondering whether I should use a White Labs WLP029 kolsch yeast or a Safale K-97 german ale yeast to brew an all grain kilsch. Has anyone used either of these yeasts when brewing a kolsch? Which yeast would you use to produce a flavorful kolsch?
I have been meaning to try K-97 but I haven’t used it yet. I have a pack in my refrigerator so I should know more later this year.
WLP029 is a very good yeast and turns out fine. However I think I like the flavor from Wyeast 2565 a little better. The only trouble with 2565 is that it takes forever to clear, like 6 or 7 weeks. (WLP029 is totally different, and clears very fast in just a week or two.) If you want you can add gelatin at the end of fermentation to knock the yeast out of suspension, that’s what I would do these days. Same story for Wyeast 1007, which I think would also make an excellent kolsch. I have only used 1007 for an altbier but based on how great it was, I think it would work great in a kolsch too. Same problem though, you need to age a long time or else use gelatin to knock it out.
Based on things I have read, K-97 might not be a kolsch yeast, but rather more similar to 1007. I hope it is, as 1007 is just excellent.
WY 1007 is awesome. Used it for a mocktoberfest that turned out almost as good as my oktoberfest.
I love k97…leaves a nice silky mouthfeel.
Going to agree with Dave, 2565 makes a great kölsch. But yeah, takes forever to clear. But well worth it, one of my favorite lagers. Right @sneezles61?
Do you ferment at ale temp? then … Lager? With lager yeast… OR ferment at lager temp and just a quick ale condition? With ale yeast… hhhmmm I haven’t done a Kolsch for a llooonngg time… That was one of the first brews I did in early 2000’s… So, could altbier and kolsch be paradigm’s? Sneezles61
Ale… lager… those terms just make my head hurt… And that a traditional IPA is not an ale but a beer by British standards. Those crazy peeps.
Both altbier and kolsch would be top-fermenting lagers if we allowed the Germans to classify them.
Ok, done derailing this thread.
I’ve used WY1007 twice for Kolsches (as well as multiple times for Alts. For me, it works great.