This California-style Steam Lager was a pleasant surprise for a couple of reasons. First, I have little experience with Steam Beers, and tend to be biased against lagers. I realize that there is no reason for me to dislike lagers, the only real experience I’d had with them had been – of course – those of the mass-produced variety. As a result, I was a bit biased… but can you blame me?
Anyway, I picked up some California Lager yeast (WYEAST 2112) on a whim, and desigend a couple of brews with the cold weather in mind.
The following recipe is for a 5 gallon batch, and it has been one of my most well-recieved beers to date.
Fermentables:
1/2 lb Crystal 20 – Steep in 3 gallons of water for 30 minutes at 150 degrees
Bring to Boil
Add 7 lbs Pilsner LME
Hops:
1.5 oz Perle @ boil
.5 oz Cascade @ T-2 min
Yeast:
WYEAST 2112
Allow to Ferment for 2 weeks
2nd Stage for 3 weeks
Good to drink after 2 weeks in bottles.
For the low amount of hops in the additions, this beer is consistantly hoppy, but enjoyable by all.
Love, Food & Beer 