Wyeast 2002 Gambrinus Lager is quickly becoming my favorite lager yeast. I’ve been keeping a culture going for the last 6 months and have used it in several beers.

It provides a pleasant floral character that adds complexity to relatively simple recipes and blends well with hops. It finishes soft and malty, but crisp. I haven’t had any problems with diacetyl or sulfur. You have to be a little careful to ensure you get complete attenuation, as this yeast does have a tendency to drop out before it is done. However, when it is done, this yeast drops brilliantly clear with relatively minimal lagering. It is easy to be drinking lagers made with this strain in as little as 3-4 weeks.

In my opinion, it is the perfect yeast for all sorts of “lawnmower” beers to add some complexity. It works well in lager’s where you are looking for a quick turnaround or any other lager style where you just want a little more character.

I have every intention of keeping my culture alive as long as possible. I wish Wyeast would make this a year round strain.

This strain gave my Helles Doppelbock some really gentle, but welcome floral/fruity esters. Nothing over the top, mind you, but just enough ester to keep things interesting but also not too much to throw off the style. I would recommend this strain for any lager style that you are trying to accentuate floral characters of the hops (Wakatu, Pacifica, Triskel and Hallertau Blanc come to mind) but also still keep things lager-like. This could be the perfect strain for traditional Biere De Garde, too. This yeast ferments very actively and flocculates like a rock.