I Don't Make Beer, Yeast Does.

I keep forgetting to do this but maybe you'll remember. The next time you brew try this little experiment. Before dumping the wort sample you use to take initial gravity put it in a sealed container. Once fermentation is complete taste both samples side by side. What flavor effect did the yeast have on the wort? What do you taste in one but not the other? You'll notice a huge difference between the wort and beer.
Let me know what you find and brew on!

Book Review - Yeast The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation by Chris White with Jamil Zainasheff

If you're interested in how wort is turned into beer and how a tiny  molecule called Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S.carlsbergensis can turn that sugar water into the flavorful creation from the gods than this will be a great read. Without getting too technical Chris and Jamil explain the history, care, biology, and growth of brewers yeast. From making the perfect starter to reusing the same strain, to pro-brewing labs this book makes a great opener into the realm of that magical molecule.

Double Tap Undead Ale

This is the premier of my latest creation. The Double Tap Undead Ale is based on a Strong Ale with German and American hops.
I used a "fruitier " yeast for this and it turned out great! 9.1% and very smooth. Apples, pears, and a slight bit of honey combine to create a fantastic aroma as you drink. Nice fruity hops and malty backbone create an unforgettable beast of a beer.
Cheers!

White Labs WLP023 Burton Ale Yeast

This is the first time I've tried this yeast and I loved it. I put it in my "Double Tap Undead Ale" Strong Ale and it worked like a champ. Optimum temperature for this is 68 - 73 degrees. I pitched at 66 and brought it up to 68 in a day maintaining that temperature for 24 hours. It took off like F-22 and within 6 hours had a huge head of krausen perfect for top cropping. After 48 hours I slowly raised it to 71.

It floccuated decently enough. WLP023 will produce big apple, pear, and honey aromas for you so if you don't want heavy fruit this may not be the yeast for you. I wanted to try something different to pair with the American and German hops and I think I got a winner.