Bock Ale?

[Omahawk]

A friend that hasn't brewed before has a kit that is a "traditional European bock". I read through the ingredients, and it's an extract kit with some steeping grains. It does not include yeast, but suggests you go get some "beer yeast" and ferment it at 68-72. I'm no expert, but know that Bocks are supposed to be lagers.

I've done a few ales now, but don't have good way to do temperature control for lagering. I am contemplating two options to help him out:

• Use some US-05 (or other clean ale yeast like Kolsch) and ferment it in the low 60s F.
• Use a W-34/70 lager yeast - I'm confident I can consistently keep it in the mid-high 50s F with a huge bucket of water, lots of towels and frozen water bottles.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Evan B]

I think an american ale yeast like WLP001 in the low 60s will give you a pretty nice beer. That's what I'd personally try in that situation

[TheMadHopper]

I think an american ale yeast like WLP001 in the low 60s will give you a pretty nice beer. That's what I'd personally try in that situation

+1

Kits like this are really not trying to be to style. The name is more of a marketing ploy. They are a cheap and easy way to get into homebrewing. Perfect for your friend. The US-05 would work fine. It's gonna make good beer. It may not be a Bock, but it will be good, drinkable beer.

[Omahawk]

Thanks. That's what I was hoping for - I will save the poor man's lager experiment for one of my own beers.

[Evan B]

I think an american ale yeast like WLP001 in the low 60s will give you a pretty nice beer. That's what I'd personally try in that situation

Might I add: If you choose this route, and ferment cooler, be sure to have a very healthy yeast pitch. If no starter, then at least a few packs to do the job right.

[Omahawk]

I think an american ale yeast like WLP001 in the low 60s will give you a pretty nice beer. That's what I'd personally try in that situation

Might I add: If you choose this route, and ferment cooler, be sure to have a very healthy yeast pitch. If no starter, then at least a few packs to do the job right.

Good point - thanks. Anyone aware of a rule of thumb on adjusting pitching rates if you're at the lower end of a yeast's temp range?

EDIT: I'm a big fan of US-05 dry yeast, and have pitched more than 1 pack when needed. I will probably go this route - I have only used liquid once (Pacman).

[Travisty]

Hrm, I have talking to a certain co-worker who has the same kit.

That kit is actually the same kit I did for my first beer though I think they've changed the kit a bit since mine did come with yeast and it had different hops than what Sam told me his has. It came out okay, however it was definitely no bock. I agree with trying WLP001 or US-05 fermented in the lower 60s. I used the yeast that was provided at room temps at the time so I'm sure it had some fusels and esters, but hey it was my first beer so it had to be awesome! It was the first beer my wife ever liked too.

I am curious how old that kit is though. Sam has no idea. I wonder if there's an expiration date on the can of extract or something.

[Evan B]

I think an american ale yeast like WLP001 in the low 60s will give you a pretty nice beer. That's what I'd personally try in that situation

Might I add: If you choose this route, and ferment cooler, be sure to have a very healthy yeast pitch. If no starter, then at least a few packs to do the job right.

Good point - thanks. Anyone aware of a rule of thumb on adjusting pitching rates if you're at the lower end of a yeast's temp range?

EDIT: I'm a big fan of US-05 dry yeast, and have pitched more than 1 pack when needed. I will probably go this route - I have only used liquid once (Pacman).

Not sure if there's a general rule of thumb... I just kind of wing it. I'd say 2 us-05 packs should cover it though.