Question about Wyeast Amer Ale II

[Taboot]

I brewed up an Arrogant Bastard based beer. I was looking for Cal Ale from White Labs, but the LHBS doesn't carry White Labs. I selected the American Ale II by looking at a clone recipe that I thought would be similar. There isn't much I can do about it now, because I brewed it yesterday, but I wanted to know what I might expect. The descriptions for both are below. I am fermenting at 68.


WLP001 California Ale Yeast. This yeast is famous for its clean flavors, balance and ability to be used in almost any style ale. It accentuates the hop flavors and is extremely versatile. Apparent attenuation: 73-80%. Flocculation: high. Optimum temp: 68°-73° F


1272 American Ale Yeast II. Fruitier and more flocculant than 1056, slightly nutty, soft, clean, slightly tart finish. Apparent attenuation: 72-76%. Flocculation: high. Optimum temp: 60°-72° F

[Bugeater]

I love 1272. As you can see from the descriptions it doesn't attenuate quite as much as White Labs 001 or Wyeast 1056. However, what I like about it is that you wind up with a maltier tasting beer. Personally, I like a good malty IPA. It tends to balance out the hops a little.

If you can't get WLP001 go with the Wyeast 1056 next time. It is the same strain of yeast. Also the US-05 dry yeast is pretty much the same as those two.

If your LHBS carries Brewcraft kits, they will also have access to the Wyeast Pacman yeast. It can be described as 1056 on steroids. This is the house strain for Rogue. I like using it for my big beers including my 1.120+ OG barleywines as it will always get my FG down where I like it.

Wayne

[Taboot]

Thanks for the info Bug. I had the blowoff tube clogged within 12 hours of initial fermentation, so the yeast is liking the conditions. I am pretty happy to hear that you feel that yeast accentuates the malt character of beers. That is exactly what I was looking for out of this beer. I did see that Stone suggests WLP 002 for their beers, but I think it will work out pretty well with AM Ale II.