using multiple yeast stains? (ale yeast + EC-1118)

[awhiskeydrink]

How would you go about pitching two yeast strains into an all-grain wort? I'm looking at using an ale strain for flavor and champagne/EC-1118 to carry it over to ~10%.

In the past I'd pitch at the same time, and that would do okay... (I know some wine stains can out compete each other, but that this seldom happens with beer stains. I've read where the champagne/EC-1118 will kill off the ale yeast by the 2cd day)

Or I've also pitch the EC-1118 on the second day with a little malt powder or caramel and that has carried it well over 10%, but I don't want to augment the all-grain with any additional sugars.

Appreciate any help/suggestion for pitching 2 yeasts strains for flavor and alcohol percentage.
Thanks

[rtalbigr]

I don't see much point in using two yeast strains as you're indicating for two main reasons. First, I believe most ale strains will ferment over 10% by themselves so why add the EC 1118?
Second, are there enough available/fermentable sugars in an AG to get a ferment over 10%?

Big R

[heartcut]

I regularly use EC-1118 or Red Star Pasteur for secondary fermentation on over 9% ale and stout, the first yeast establishes the flavor and the second finishes the fermentation, avoiding a sweet tasting beer. I don't do that for spirits unless they get stuck- the little bit of leftover sugar doesn't seem to affect the flavor of the distillate. Don't think it would hurt anything, just make sure the yeast you're getting your flavor from is pretty much done before pitching the finishing yeast.

[awhiskeydrink]

Thanks for your responses so far.

I've used this combination in the past to get some great flavors and higher percentage alcohol.

The beer yeast can enhance the maltiness or add a fruitiness, but I can never make it past 8% without additives. I've had good luck with EC-1118 climbing up past 10%.

I'm interested in the best way to combined the two, or reasons not too

-pitch at the same time
-pitch the EC-1118 the next day
-pitch the EC-1118 with something?
open to suggestions...

Thanks guys

[Durace11]

pitch ale yeast, wait for it to finish most of it's activity, pitch EC-1118, wait for it to finish most of it's activity, rack and distill.

Personally, I'd use this for wort but not wash. Instead of trying to pack more grain into a single AG wash to push a higher % ABV, why not stick to 7-9% split the grain bill and run 2 washes? If you want a really high ABV, just go sugar or DME, much easier and you already have 2 yeasts handy.

[awhiskeydrink]

If you want a really high ABV, just go sugar or DME, much easier and you already have 2 yeasts handy.

I've done DME and different sugars in the past, with great tasting results, but I'm trying to stick to a more traditional single malt. The scottish ales will usually push 5%, so I looking to polish it off with a higher gravity yeast.