Yeast Question

Chip99

Chip99

New Member
Premium Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Messages
9
Reaction score
3
Points
1
Location
Texas
I have a kit for an Oktoberfest beer. Was going to brew it yesterday but opted for another option when I read the fermentation temp on the yeast packet. It is a SefAle K-97 yeast with recommended fermentation temp range of 59-68. I ferment in my mancave and can keep the temps in the 70-72 range without breaking the bank (this building is run completely on solar power).

So to my question, should I use this yeast and forget about fermentation temp? Or should I use one of my IPA SefAle yeasts that have a higher fermentation temp range?

Thanks in advance. I don't know how all this works, this is my first message... Chip
 
Chip99 said:
I have a kit for an Oktoberfest beer. Was going to brew it yesterday but opted for another option when I read the fermentation temp on the yeast packet. It is a SefAle K-97 yeast with recommended fermentation temp range of 59-68. I ferment in my mancave and can keep the temps in the 70-72 range without breaking the bank (this building is run completely on solar power).

So to my question, should I use this yeast and forget about fermentation temp? Or should I use one of my IPA SefAle yeasts that have a higher fermentation temp range?

Thanks in advance. I don't know how all this works, this is my first message... Chip
Click to expand...
Welcome Chip.

Wait for others to chime in, too. But for me, 2F higher is not a big deal. I’d use it.

Two other things: You can cool it a degree or two easily with evaporation - put a wet cloth around d it with a fan on low, keep the cloth wet. And, it will rise 3-5F during active fermentation.
 
Wow thanks for the reply. I was tempted to go for it but as I had other kits available decided to wait on the Oktoberfest and pose the question on this forum. Glad I did. The other yeast I was contemplating is a SefAle S-04 with temp range 64-78.8. Ideally my environment is around 72 so this yeast works well for me and my preference for IPA's. BUT, I did live in Germany for 3 years and have a great yearning for many of the German styles. Thank you for the response much appreciated... Chip
 
I don't like K-97 at all, at any temperature. I would use it to brew something for your enemies.

Buy yourself a good lager yeast like S-189 for your Okt. Or else use an ale yeast and call it an amber ale, which is what it would be then.
 
Many of the German styles are lagers and will require a lager yeast which likes temps much lower than that.
S-04 likes it around 66 or 67 before it gets fruity.
Festbiers are normally lagers.
That temperature range would be good for some of the NEIPA style liquid yeasts and some of the Belgian or Saison yeasts.
 
You can actually probably make a pretty decent pseudo-Okt with S-04. I find it to be a very neutral ale yeast, even cleaner than Chico.
 
dmtaylor said:
You can actually probably make a pretty decent pseudo-Okt with S-04. I find it to be a very neutral ale yeast, even cleaner than Chico.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I was just wondering how much it would affect the flavor or alcohol content. If the affect is subtle, I don't mind going for it. I lived in Germany and love many of their beers. I would not consider myself a "beer snob". If I can create a great tasting beer in the style I'm looking for that is good enough for me. Especially if my friends also like it. I'm a firm believer that "Perfect is the enemy of good enough". LOL... Chip
 
dmtaylor said:
I don't like K-97 at all, at any temperature. I would use it to brew something for your enemies.

Buy yourself a good lager yeast like S-189 for your Okt. Or else use an ale yeast and call it an amber ale, which is what it would be then.
Click to expand...
I like amber ales. But I would prefer to get the original Okt fest taste... Chip
 
Chip99 said:
I like amber ales. But I would prefer to get the original Okt fest taste... Chip
Click to expand...
That would be a lager yeast which would require a refrigerator or chest freezer and a controller to keep your temps in a narrow range. Lager yeasts like to be in the 50s to start. As mentioned above, S-04 might get you close, but it won't be the same thing.
 
Last edited:
Sandy Feet said:
That would be a lager yeast which would require a refrigerator or chest freezer and a controller to keep your temps in a narrow range. Lager yeasts like to be in the 50s to start. As mentioned above, S-04 might get you close, but it won't be the same thing.
Click to expand...
"Perfect is the enemy of good". Close is good enough for me. I'll try it. If it isn't tasty then I'll stick to IPA's. Thanks for the input... Chip
 
Ward Chillington said:
How about the water bath method? You could easily get down to the mid 60's that way. If you have a larger container you can put your fermenter into...a few gallons of water, a couple ice packs..bam...mid 60's!

Here's a little primer...but hey, you're in Texas..think swamp cooler

https://www.beeradvocate.com/commun...er-bath-for-fermentation-temp-control.256908/
Click to expand...
Yes you could get to mid 60's for the pitch. But I can't hold it there for 2-3 weeks of fermentation. Am I missing something??? Chip
 
That yeast can take its merry time to get The Job done. I'd ditch it as per DM Taylor's recommendations.

34/70 - Nova lager - Diamond lager I'd say is more true to style for dry yeast options.

weird they'd add a German ale yeast in with an Oktoberfest kit...
 
Chip99 said:
Yes you could get to mid 60's for the pitch. But I can't hold it there for 2-3 weeks of fermentation. Am I missing something??? Chip
Click to expand...
While one ice pack melts in the bucket...you're freezing another one....or five...the swamp cooler method takes less baby sitting but I never was able to get 3 or 4 degrees out of that method.
 
Chip99 said:
Sorry for the repeat as I stated from the onset I don't know exactly how this site works. But as I said down the thread... "My K-97 packet shows 59-68..."
But I did look at the link you provided, many thanks. But wondering, why the discrepancy? Chip
Click to expand...
The discrepancy is the recommended range (59-68) and the range it's okay to use it in ( up to 78).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Copyright © 2007-2025 Brewer's Friend, Inc. - Send Feedback - Terms - RSS Feed - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Back
Top