Unlocking the World of Lager: Choosing the Right Yeast for Your Homebrew

The journey of Saccharomyces pastorianus

In the intricate world of brewing, where yeast is the unseen wizard behind the curtain, the origin of lager yeast, scientifically known as Saccharomyces pastorianus, has long been a captivating mystery. While the specific genesis remains elusive, one compelling theory takes us on a journey to the wild landscapes of Patagonia in South America. In the annals of brewing history, lager yeast has been synonymous with cool fermentation and the production of crisp, clean lager beer.. The conventional wisdom was that this yeast was a result of human selection and hybridization in the beer-brewing centers of Europe. However, a paradigm-shifting theory surfaced in 2011 (Research published in the journal "PNAS"), suggesting a more exotic origin.

Picture the windswept landscapes of Patagonia, where beech trees (Nothofagus) dot the region. Here, researchers proposed a captivating hypothesis: lager yeast, specifically Saccharomyces pastorianus, might have originated from a spontaneous hybridization event between a wild yeast called Saccharomyces eubayanus, thriving in the beech trees of Patagonia, and a traditional ale yeast.

This theory introduces a fascinating narrative of nature's role in shaping the yeast strains we use in our brewing endeavors. It suggests that, rather than a deliberate human selection in the cellars of European breweries, lager yeast's roots may trace back to a fortuitous union in the wild landscapes of South America. The proposed hybridization event in Patagonia opens a window into the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the intricate dance between yeast and their environments. If this theory holds true, it implies that the yeast strains we employ for crafting our favorite lagers carry a touch of the untamed, a genetic legacy from the rugged beauty of Patagonia.

For homebrewers delving into the art and science of brewing, understanding the potential South American origin of lager yeast adds a layer of appreciation to the brewing process. It underscores the dynamic interplay between natural elements and human ingenuity that has shaped the beverages we savor. As you embark on your brewing adventures, envision the yeast in your fermenter as a globetrotter, carrying a genetic passport with stamps from the beech trees of Patagonia. The mysterious origins of lager yeast remind us that brewing is not just a craft; it's a journey that spans continents, climates, and the vast tapestry of microbial life.

Now, armed with a newfound appreciation for the untamed origins of our brewing companion, let's seamlessly transition to the present-day saviors of our fermentations – the Fermentis SafLager yeasts.

The Essence of Lager Brewing

Lager beer, known for its clean, crisp, and refreshing characteristics, has captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts around the world. This classic style offers a wide spectrum of flavors, from the malt-forward Märzen to the hoppy Pilsner, making it a versatile choice for homebrewers. But the key to unlocking the full potential of lager brewing lies in selecting the right yeast strain. We’ll explore the world of lager and compare four popular lager yeast strains from Fermentis to help homebrewers choose the one that suits their brewing goals.

Lager is a beer style fermented and conditioned at low temperatures, typically between 44-55°F (7-13°C). This cold fermentation allows for the development of a clean and balanced flavor profile, which distinguishes lagers from ales. To create the perfect lager, the choice of yeast is paramount, as it significantly influences the final flavor and aroma of the beer.

Let’s explore the options Fermentis is offering to play with this trendy style:

Saflager W-34/70: The Neutral Workhorse

• Fermentation Temperature: Saflager W-34/70 performs well in a broad temperature range, but shines at 50-68°F (10-20°C).
• Flavor Profile: Known for producing clean and neutral flavors, allowing the malt and hop characteristics to shine. Ideal for a wide range of lager styles, including Pilsners, Helles, and more.
• Attenuation: SafLager W-34/70 has a good attenuation without going too far in the sugar consumptions, resulting in a balanced and slightly malty beer. 

SafLager S-23: The Crisp Contender

• Fermentation Temperature: SafLager S-23 is particularly suitable for cooler fermentation temperatures, around 53-60°F (12-15°C).
• Flavor Profile: Produces a clean, crisp, and refreshing lager with slightly more esters and floral notes compared to SafLager W-34/70. Often used for Pilsners and Helles.
• Attenuation: SafLager S-23 has good attenuation, resulting in a drier finish.

SafLager S-189: The Malt Embracer and Hop Enhancer

• Fermentation Temperature: SafLager S-189 performs well in a temperature range of 53-65°F (12-18°C).
• Flavor Profile: This versatile yeast enhances malt character in your beer and has the capacity to boost hop aromas, making them more detectable in the final beer. It's a top choice not only for Märzen and Bocks but also for hoppy forward lager styles like New Zealand Pilsner and India Pale Lager.
• Attenuation: Similar to the SafLager W-34/70 in terms of attenuation, the SafLager S-189 will help to produce balanced beers in the average of what you can look for in terms of dry or sweet character for a Lager.

SafBrew™ LD-20: The “Outside of the Box” Option for Dry Lagers

SafBrew™ LD-20 is the last product arrived in the world of Fermentis lager yeast for homebrewers. The particularity of this product is that you don’t only have a Saccharomyces pastorianus here, you also have an enzyme (Glucoamylase) in the same sachet, it’s an All-In-One™ product. With this mix of active dry yeast and enzyme, you can reach the same alcohol level in your beer while reducing the original gravity up to 20% resulting in a lower level of residual sugars and carbohydrates. Beside, you can count on it to achieve a high-performance fermentation in many different fermentation conditions with no defects and high apparent attenuation.

• Fermentation Temperature: SafBrew™ LD-20 can ferment well in large range of temperature. You’ll achieve your fermentation without problems between 54 and 68°F (12-20°C).
• Flavor Profile: SafBrew™ LD-20 is an “out of the box” product allowing you to experiment with the traditional lager styles. Its dry character is definitely something to consider, it’ll allow you to brew very drinkable beers making of this product a very good candidate to produce session lagers for example. Aside of that its neutrality and its capacity to ferment at higher temperatures makes of SafBrew™ LD-20 an interesting option for Cold IPAs
• Attenuation: With the enzyme implied here, the SafBrew™ LD-20 is obviously the Fermentis product designed for lager production with the higher attenuation. You can be sure to reach 98-102% of apparent attenuation consistently.

Choosing the Right Lager Yeast

When deciding on the yeast strain for your next lager brew, consider the following factors:

• Desired Beer Style: Select a yeast strain that complements the style you want to brew. For clean and neutral lagers, SafLager W-34/70 is an excellent choice. If you desire a crisp and refreshing character with some esters, SafLager S-23 works well. For a malt-forward lager or a hoppy lager that amplifies hop aromas, SafLager S-189 is the way to go. For a drinkable lager with dry character, SafBrew™ LD-20 is a must.
• Fermentation Temperature: Your ability to control fermentation temperature is crucial. If you have precise temperature control, you can choose a strain based on the specific temperature range in which it excels. At the opposite, if you don’t have the possibility to control fermentation temperature or you live in an area with hot climate, it could be smart to opt for products able to work at a higher temperatures such as SafLager™ W-34/70 or SafBrew™ LD-20.

It could appear like a simple message, but keep in mind that the right lager yeast remains the one you like the most in this specific recipe. At Fermentis, we do our best to help you to make the good choice based on data, sensory analysis and beer styles expectations but there is nothing better than experimentation because everyone's taste is unique. You could like something at the total opposite of the standard expectations, and it’s partially what makes homebrewing a beautiful hobby: its diversity.

Let's Lager!

In conclusion, the world of lager brewing is a delightful trip with numerous possibilities. Each yeast strain offers a unique flavor profile, allowing you to craft the perfect lager to suit your taste, whether it's malt-forward or hop-forward. Consider experimenting with different strains to discover your favorite and tailor your lager to perfection. The next time you raise a glass of your meticulously brewed lager, take a moment to salute the yeast that might have started its journey in the enchanting landscapes of Patagonia, making its way to your brew kettle and leaving its mark on the refreshing elixir in your hands. Prost to the mysteries of Lager yeast and the untold stories it brings to your homebrewing experience!

This article was researched, written, and provided to Northern Brewer Homebrew Supply by Fermentis.