The quickest beer to brew would be a German (Bavarian) wheat beer. This style is perfect for a quick turnaround because of the specific yeast strains used in its fermentation process. German wheat beer yeast strains, such as Wyeast 3068, Wyeast 3638, White Labs WLP300, and White Labs WLP380, are known for their fast fermentation and high attenuation rates.
When brewing a German wheat beer, it’s important to note that the beer can be slightly cloudy, which actually works in your favor when looking for a quick turnaround. This style is traditionally unfiltered and often served with a hazy appearance, so clarity is not a major concern. The cloudiness is due to the yeast remaining in suspension, which adds to the character and flavor profile of the beer.
To brew a quick German wheat beer, you would start with a typical wheat beer recipe consisting of a combination of malted wheat and barley. The specific proportions can vary depending on the desired flavor profile, but a typical ratio would be around 50% wheat and 50% barley.
The next crucial step is selecting the appropriate yeast strain. The German wheat beer yeast strains mentioned earlier are known for their fast fermentation characteristics. They can ferment at higher temperatures, typically around 68-72°F (20-22°C), which helps speed up the fermentation process. These yeast strains also produce the distinct flavors and aromas associated with German wheat beers, such as banana and clove notes.
During fermentation, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature and provide adequate oxygenation to ensure a healthy fermentation process. Once fermentation is complete, which typically takes around 7-10 days with these fast-acting yeast strains, you can proceed to bottle or keg the beer.
Bottling a German wheat beer can be done with or without priming sugar, depending on your preference for carbonation levels. If you choose to prime, allow the beer to carbonate for about 1-2 weeks at room temperature before refrigerating and enjoying. If you prefer a quicker turnaround, you can force carbonate the beer using a kegging system.
When looking for a quick turnaround beer, a German wheat beer is an excellent choice. The specific yeast strains used in this style, such as Wyeast 3068, Wyeast 3638, White Labs WLP300, and White Labs WLP380, ferment quickly and contribute to the unique flavors and cloudiness of the beer. By following proper fermentation and carbonation techniques, you can have a refreshing and flavorful German wheat beer ready to enjoy in a relatively short amount of time.