Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Profile: One of the great and versatile strains for the production of classic Belgian style ales. This strain produces a beautiful balance of delicate fruit esters and subtle spicy notes, with neither one dominating. Unlike many other Belgian style strains, this strain is highly flocculent and results in bright beers.

Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus

Profile: A very versatile strain that produces Saison or farmhouse style beers as well as other Belgian style beers that are highly aromatic (estery), peppery, spicy and citrusy. This strain enhances the use of spices and aroma hops, and is extremely attenuative but leaves an unexpected silky and rich mouthfeel. This strain can also be used to re-start stuck fermentations or in high gravity beers.

Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus

Profile: This strain is the classic farmhouse ale yeast. A traditional yeast that is spicy with complex aromatics, including bubble gum. It is very tart and dry on the palate with a mild fruitiness. Expect a crisp, mildly acidic finish that will benefit from elevated fermentation temperatures. This strain is notorious for a rapid and vigorous start to fermentation, only to stick around 1.035 S.G. Fermentation will finish, given time and warm temperatures. Warm fermentation temperatures, at least 90 °F (32 °C), or the use of a secondary strain can accelerate attenuation.

Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus

Profile: This strain produces complex esters balanced with earthy/spicy notes. Slightly tart and dry with a peppery finish. A perfect strain for farmhouse ales and saisons.

Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, & Pediococcus blend

Profile: Our blend of lambic cultures produce beer with a complex, earthy profile and a distinctive pie cherry sourness. Aging up to 18 months is required for a full flavor profile and acidity to develop. Specific proportions of a Belgian style ale strain, a sherry strain, two Brettanomyces strains, a Lactobacillus culture, and a Pediococcus culture produce the desirable flavor components of these beers as they are brewed in West Flanders. Propagation of this culture is not recommended and will result in a change of the proportions of the individual components. This blend will produce a very dry beer due to the super-attenuative nature of the mixed cultures.

Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Profile: A classic strain for brewing Belgian dubbel or Belgian tripel. This Abbey strain produces a nice balance of complex fruity esters and phenolics, making it desirable for use in other Belgian style ales as well. A flocculent, true top cropping yeast (additional headspace is recommended), that will work over a broad temperature range. This strain makes a great Belgian style “house” strain.

Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Profile: This versatile witbier yeast strain can be used in a variety of Belgian style ales. This strain produces a complex flavor profile dominated by spicy phenolics with low to moderate ester production. It is a great strain choice when you want a delicate clove profile not to be overshadowed by esters. It will ferment fairly dry with a slightly tart finish that compliments the use of oats, malted and unmalted wheat. This strain is a true top cropping yeast requiring full fermentor headspace of 33%.

BEST Caramel® Hell – known as BEST Caramel® Light – reinforces the typical “caramely” malt aroma of the beer, giving it a mouth feel that is reminiscent of vanilla and cream toffee. The color of the beer ranges from golden hues to amber, depending on the amount used in the grain bill. The foam and flavor stability of the beer are also improved. As with BEST Caramel® Pils, only the best two-row summer barley varieties are used together with our gentle BEST caramelization technique to make this outstanding specialty malt.

For Helles, Märzen, wheat beers, light beers, reduced-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers, all golden to amber-colored beer styles.

Recommended Quantities: Up to 50% of the grain bill.

EBC: 20-40

Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae blend

Profile: This proprietary blend of a top-fermenting neutral ale strain and a Bavarian wheat strain is a great choice when a subtle German style wheat beer is desired. The complex esters and phenolics from the wheat strain are nicely softened and balanced by the neutral ale strain.