6 replies to this topic

[Big Nake]

I was on the LP site ordering some WL940 (Mexican) for some upcoming lagers and I saw "White Labs Southern German Lager" in the same area.  The yeast number was not shown.  I ordered it and then looked it up and I see that it's 838.  Who has used it and how does it compare to 2308?  I like 2308 so if they're the same that will work.  I assume that if they're different it will also work. 

[Bklmt2000]

I've used both, and tasted side by side, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart.

 

Similar to 34/70 vs. 2124: likely same original source, but small variations due to different yeast manufacturers, processing, etc.  But in the final product, good luck differntiating the two.

[Big Nake]

I've used both, and tasted side by side, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart.

 

Similar to 34/70 vs. 2124: likely same original source, but small variations due to different yeast manufacturers, processing, etc.  But in the final product, good luck differntiating the two.

Yeah, I checked a couple of yeast comparison charts and it shows that they're the same although I have seen some glaring problems with those online charts.  2308 will make a nice helles, festbier, dunkel, bock, vienna.  I actually thought it was something else like WLP835 but the yeast number was not shown.  It will make great beer, no doubt.  Cheers.  

[Genesee Ted]

The differences in lager yeasts are pretty slight when compared to ales. I’m more interested in performance most times.
I’ve been loving 34/70 lately.

[Big Nake]

The differences in lager yeasts are pretty slight when compared to ales. I’m more interested in performance most times.
I’ve been loving 34/70 lately.

I feel like all lager strains are good... but some are better.  I still have a pack of 34/70 in my fridge but have never used it.  I am in the middle of a run with Lallemand Diamond which I'm liking very much and the word on the street is that it's the same as 34/70... which is supposed to be 2124 which is one of my favorites.  Omega Bayern and WL940 are also high on my list and the 940 and 838 both arrived at my house today and the 940 will be up first with some nice Mexican-style beers.  

[Genesee Ted]

34/70 has simply become a practical thing for me. It’s super expensive to buy enough liquid yeast to pitch directly and I don’t have a way to prop it up. I have 4 fermenters and I don’t like to have more than 1 with a lager in it for long. That makes it hard to repitch. 34/70 is way cheaper.

[Big Nake]

34/70 has simply become a practical thing for me. It’s super expensive to buy enough liquid yeast to pitch directly and I don’t have a way to prop it up. I have 4 fermenters and I don’t like to have more than 1 with a lager in it for long. That makes it hard to repitch. 34/70 is way cheaper.

I was "anti-dry yeast" for awhile but after brewing for 20+ years you see things change and improve.  The S-189, 34/70 and Diamond yeasts appear to be excellent.  Chils experimented with the Mangrive Jack's yeast and found them to be unreliable and very slow to start.  I have some in my fridge but I don't think I will attempt a batch with it based on prior information.  As I mentioned in another thread:  If they made a dry version of Omega Bayern and also WL940, I would be all-dry-all-the-time.