Recently I've brewed two batches of beer that are less than desirable. I think it might be the yeast. I brewed a Brown and an ESB with the same strain of yeast (WPL002 English Ale). Both were pretty lazy at the start but fermented properly and within the gravity targets I was shooting for. I can't quite put my finger on the off flavor, but it's a bitterness on the tail end. Anyone else out there had issues with this yeast?

I haven't tried that yeast. I use Nottingham, it's cheap and hasn't let me down yet. If the flavor your tasting is the same in both batches and the only common ingredient is the yeast, I would have to agree with you. Are all your ingredients fresh? Sorry I can't be more help.

Did you use similar hops? If it's a bitterness problem, I'd search there first. Certain types of hops can make for a harsh bitterness.

Cheers,
Dave

GuitarLord5000 wrote:Did you use similar hops?

No. The hop varieties are different.