Kolsch experiment

[Mashmellow]

I was considering taking my Kolsch recipe and experimenting by substituting Lallemand's NovaLager yeast. Although a bottom fermenter, it’s a hybrid cross of both ale and lager strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae x Saccharomyces eubayanus). It purportedly has low VDK/diacetyl and produces no hydrogen sulfide off flavors and can ferment down to 50º F. Seems like maybe a cross of Helles and a Kolsch, but should be really clean. Is this just overthinking and dumb?

 

[Minbari]

I was considering taking my Kolsch recipe and experimenting by substituting Lallemand's NovaLager yeast. Although a bottom fermenter, it’s a hybrid cross of both ale and lager strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae x Saccharomyces eubayanus). It purportedly has low VDK/diacetyl and produces no hydrogen sulfide off flavors and can ferment down to 50º F. Seems like maybe a cross of Helles and a Kolsch, but should be really clean. Is this just overthinking and dumb?

I love experimenting. I made an english stout with Belgian strong ale yeast just to see what it would do.

 

[Mashmellow]

Aaaand?

 

[Minbari]

Aaaand?

It was different, lol. Alot less mouth feel, was still a stout, but with fruity esters.

 

[Mashmellow]

Chuckle. I so get it. Sometimes I'm convinced that my hair brained experiments are why God invented the distiller.

 

[The Brew Mentor]

Interesting that you state Helles and Kolsch.
They are actually almost identical except for the yeast.
I'd stick with Kolsch yeast for a Kolsch and lager yeast for a Helles.
Otherwise you just have a clean beer, but not to style
Obviously it's your beer, do whatever.
Let us know

 

[HighVoltageMan!]

I think it's a great idea. Depending on who you listen to, a Kolsch is only slightly fruity. I prefer them clean, but the slight hint of fruit can be kind of nice sometimes. Try it and see what happens.

I think an International Lager is closer to a Kolsch than a Helles. Malt, hop aroma and bitterness are all very similar.

 

[Mashmellow]

think an International Lager is closer to a Kolsch than a Helles. Malt, hop aroma and bitterness are all very similar.

 

[Sandy Feet]

It was different, lol. Alot less mouth feel, was still a stout, but with fruity esters.

Did you get something close to a Dubbel without the plum?

 

[Mashmellow]

International Pale Lager. That's it! It fits perfect into that framework, and I can actually bump up the Pilsner (and ABV) a bit and the SRM down. Thanks. I think this is going to be nice.

 

[Minbari]

Did you get something close to a Dubbel without the plum?

No, not even close.

 

[Sandy Feet]

Hmmm

 

[Zambi]

What's an international lager?
Something like Heineken, Steinlager, Kingfisher, Tusker?